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THE BEAR LEADERS 



THE BEAR LEADERS 



A FARCE IN FOUR ACTS 



By 
R. C. CARTON 



Copyright, 191 3, by Samuel French, Ltd 



New York 

SAMUEL FRENCH 

Publisher 

8-30 WEST 38TH STREET 



London 

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Q)CLD 34814 



THE BEAR LEADERS 

Produced on February 1, 1912, at the Comedy Th eatre, 
London, with the following cast of characters : — 



Duke of Gallmtnster . 
Sir Kennedy Loomes . 
Stanhope Molyneux. . . 
Horace Beckton (the Duke's 

Secretary) 

Edward Petworth . 

Mr. Felgate (of the firm of 

Felgate & Murchison, So- 
licitors) . . . 
Anatole Durocq (waiter from 

Pastarelle's) 

Byles (butler) . . .- ... 
Rawdon (valet) .... 
Mks. Stanhope Molyneux . 
Dowager Countess of Grims- 

dal 

Lady Marjorie Hillborn (her 

granddaughter) .... 
Lady Tuddenham 
Evadne Tuddenham (her 

daughter) 

Madame Mescale (of Mescale 

et Cie, Florists) .... 
Lloyd (lady's maid) . 



Mr. Spencer Trevor. 
Mr. Ashton Pearce. 
Mr. Edmund Gwenn. 

Mr. Robert Horton. 
M r. Donald Calthrop. 



Mr. Fred. Lewis. 

Mr. Michael Sherbrooke. 
Mr. E. F. Mayeur. 
Mr. C. Lascelles. 
Miss Compton. 

Miss May Whitty. 

Miss Muriel Martin Harvey. 
Miss Mary Brough. 



Miss Ada Webster. 
Miss Margaret Chute. 



SCENERY 

Time. — Summer-time. 

ACT I 

Scene. — Drawing-room in the London House, of the .Stanhope 
Molyneuxs. 

Time. — Midday. 

ACT II 

Scene. — The same — six weeks later. 
Time. — A fternoon. 

ACT III 

Scene. — Corridor in the Molyneuxs'' house — three days later. 

Time. — Late evening. A ball is in progress. 

A(^T IV 

Scene.— Same as Act I and II. Next morning. 



The Fee fof the representation of this play by Amateurs 

is Five Guineas, payable in advance to : — 

MESSRS. SAMUEL FRENCH, LTD., 
26, Southampton Street, 
Strand, London. 

or their authorised agents, who will issue a written 
permission for the performance to take place. No 
representation may be given unless this written 
authority has first been obtained. 

In the event of more than one performance being 
given, the Fee for the second representation is Four 
Guineas, and for the third and further representations 
Three Guineas. But this reduction only applies when 
the performances are consecutive {evening following 
evening^ or evening following matinee) and at the same 
theatre or all, 

All costumes, wigs and properties used in the per- 
formance of plays contained in French's Acting 
Edition may be hired or purchased reasonably from 
Messrs. Charles H. Fox, Ltd., 27, Wellington Street, 
Strand, London. 



THE BEAR LEADERS 

ACT I. 

Scene. — The drawing-room in London house of the 
Stanhope Molyneuxs. A plan of the scene will 
be found at the end of the book. 

Time. — Midday. 

(At the rise of the curtain Byles enters, showing in 
Horace Beckton.) 

Beckton. (crosses below Byles to down r. and 
speaking as he comes on) Is he at home, or isn't he ? 

Byles. Mr. Molyneux is at home, sir ; but I'm 
not sure if he's receiving. 

Beckton. You go to him and tell him that he's 
got to receive me. 

Byles. I'll deliver your message, sir ; but 

Beckton. Yes ? 

Byles. (goes step to c.) There's been a bereave- 
ment in the family. 

Beckton. Quite so ; very pathetic, {goes up 
into window) But I must see Mr. Molyneux ; go 
and tell him so. 

(Byles is going.) 

9 



10 THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act I. 

Is that the Telegraph ? Yes. Thank ye ; tell him he 
needn't mind hurrying unless he's busy. 

(Byles goes off.) 
(Beckton proceeds to read the paper. After slight 
pause Stanhope Molyneux enters hastily. He 

is dressed in deep mourning.) 
Hulloa ! 

Molyneux. Good morning, (has come to R. of 
Beckton) 

Beckton. (shakes hands with Molyneux ; speaks 
cheerfully) How are you, old chap ? 

Molyneux. Moderately well ; 1 suppose you r ve 
heard about (sadly) our loss. 

Beckton. Byles did just mention it. 

Molyneux. Yes, I know. Byles is a man of 
callous nature ; but poor old Lapworthy's gone, you 
know, (indicates clothes he is 'wearing) 

Beckton. Pegged out ? 

Molyneux. Yes ; he pegged out at eleven 
forty-five the night before last, (crosses up R. by fire) 

Beckton. (follows him up c.) How's Mrs. 
Molly taking it ? 

Molyneux. Oh, with fortitude ; you know she 
was his god-daughter and principal legatee. We have 
been anxiously expecting the sorrowful news for weeks 



Beckton. Quite so, old chap. Well, 1 wouldn't 
have hunted you up if the matter hadn't been rather 
important. 



Act I.] THE BEAR LEADERS. 11 

Molyxeux. Exactly ; to what am I indebted for 
the — er — inconvenience of this visit ? 

Beckton. (sitting on front of round table up c.) 
It's this way : Old Gallminster 

Molyneux. The Duke ? 

Beckton. The Dook — my chief — is in a devil of 
a state just now. 

Molyneux. Gout ? 

Becktox\ Gout, of course— that's by the way — 
but you see when his son, poor Lord Elchester, pitched 
out of his motor and succumbed, as hejvvas the sole 
heir it left the succession to the title at rather a loose 
end. 

Molyxeux. The Duke has my sympathy (step 
towards Becktox), but 

Becktox. The lawyers have unearthed the next 
heir. He seems to be a kind of great-nephew of the 
Dook's — named Petworth — Edward Petworth ; his 
deceased father was a parson, with a living in North- 
amptonshire, or somewhere ; he's dead and don't 
matter — but this young cove 

Molyxeux. Master Edward ? 

Becktox. Master Edward — is going to be Duke 
of Gallminster by and by— and there you are. 

Molyxeux. (crosses towards Becktox) How do 
you mean there I am ? 

Becktox. There we all are. 

Molyxeux. You know really, Beckton (taking 
cigarette case out of his pocket), with every desire to 
— er — to — er — damn Rawdon ! Given me my silver 



12 THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act I. 

— ah — cigarette case instead of the gun metal one 
which would have been more seemly — (goes down 
l. of table r.c.) this one sounds a false note, (putting 
cigarette case doivn on table by settee r.) Jars terribly. 
(cross to r., sit R. end of settee r.) 

Beckton. Yes, it does, old chap. Well, now 
what's to be done about Teddy Petworth ? 

Molyneux. Done about him ? (leans back in 
chesterfield R.) 

Beckton. Well, he's a cub ; he learnt the wrong 
kind of thing at a grammar school ; he's always been 
the unripe apple of his mother's eye ; every corner of 
him shrieks aloud for wash leather and pumice stone. 
(change of tone) Now you of course and Mrs. Molly 
have made a speciality of teaching the young idea 
how to shoot. 

Molyneux. Yes. 

Beckton. So we thought perhaps you might 
be persuaded to take him on. 

Molyneux. I couldn't hear of it. 

Beckton. The Dook would make it handsomely 
worth your while. 

Molyneux. From the moment poor Mr. Lap- 
worthy's illness entered on its final stage we retired 
from business. 

Beckton. The Dook is naturally aware that you 
and Mrs. Molly are at the top of the tree. 
Molyneux. Yes, yes. 

Beckton. See what you did for Algy Desborough ; 
to-day anybody might be seen dinin' with him. 



Act I.] THE BEAR LEADERS. 13 

Thanks to you, Billy Ransford, born in Queensland, 
looks plastered all over with Eton and 'Varsity, 
Then again what a corkin' good job your Missus 
made of Cicely Mainwaring. 

Molyneux. (moves toward him, loftily) Look 
here, Beckton (leans over ami of chesterfield towards 
Beckton), bear-leading is a very arduous profession. 
I have taken over the male species, as you say, and 
with the right tailor have trimmed their fur and 
clipped their claws ; my wife has done the same for 
the cubbesses — made them presentable before they 
were presented — trained them — court trained them 
— and so forth. But now the demise of dear old 
Lapworthy has given us a rest, and we mean to ' 
take it. [cleans his eyeglass with his handkerchief) 
Beckton. It's damned disappointin', because 
this Petworth business has got itself into an unholy 
mess ; we've been away at Marienbad and the Dook's 
lawyer has let the whole thing rip ; the boy's been 
supplied with coin and he's been loafin' about town 
with nobody to keep an eye on him. 

Molyneux. I'm sorry, but my wife and I have 
retired from business. 

(Door opens and Byles co))ies in.) 

(eye glass back) — so our eyes are not available. 

Beckton. Well, it's exceptional disappointin'. 
(takes out one of Molyneux's cigarettes out of Moly- 
neux 's case ; leaves case open) 

Byles. Mr. Felgate. 



14 THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act J. 

(Felgate comes, in ; Molyneux and Beckton rise.) 

Molyneux. {crosses below Beckton) My dear 
Felgate (shakes hands with Felgate, brings him across 
to the r. of himself), we've been expecting your 
arrival— counting the hours. 

(Beckton crosses down to l. of Molyneux.) 

Felgate. You're very good. 
Molyneux. Not at all. 
Felgate. Ahem ! 

Molyneux. This is only my friend, Mr. Beckton, 
who is just going. 

(Molyneux motions Felgate to sit, shakes hands 
with Beckton, speeds the parting guest.) 

Beckton. How are you ? Yes, I won't detain 
you. C4ood day, Molly. 

(Beckton turns up stage, Molyneux turns to 
Felgate, Beckton stops, turns and speaks to 
Molyneux.) 

Will you think that matter over ? 

Molyneux. (turns to him) With pleasure — 1 mean 
certainly not. (turns to Felgate) 

Beckton. (up l.) Will you put it to Mrs. Molly ? 

Molyneux. (turns) Yes — no — perhaps — I don't 
think so. 

Beckton. Well, I shall look her up on the off 
chance — so long. 

(Beckton goes up l. and off.) 



Act I.] THE BEAR LEADERS. I.-, 

Molyneux. Good-bye. (steps after him, then 
back) Pray sit down, Felgate. 
Felgate. Thank you. (sits) 
Molyneux. So everything is all right. 

(Both smile, then look at each other.) 

I mean at last the blow has fallen. 

Felgate. Yes, that is so. Am I so fortunate 
as to find Mrs. Molyneux disengaged ? 

Molyneux. Oh yes. (cross behind chesterfield 
r. to bell belovj fire up R.) I'm certain she'd feel it 
her duty to be disengaged. I'll let her know you 
are here, (rings the bell) 

Felgate. Thank you. 

Molyneux. (slightly nettled about it) Of course, 
Felgate, our dear departed friend was apt to be a 
little eccentric —wouldn't you say so ? 

Felgate. Yes, I'm disposed to agree with you. 

Molyneux. During his illness he wouldn't lei 
anybody come near him. 

(Enter Bylss up l.) 

(to Byles in a superior manner) Tell Mrs. Molyneux 
that Mr. Felgate is here, will you ? 

(Exit Byles.) 

Lapworthy Park lias been barricaded — this state 
of siege, so far as his relations were concerned, was 
quite comprehensible' (strokes his moustache), but it 
would have been a sorrowful pleasure to my wife 



16 THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act I. 

and myself to have acted as sentinels. Is the date 
fixed for the reading of the will ? 

Felgate. {pause) Well — not yet. 

Molyneux. Not yet. (going towards him) Ah, 
then is there any little matter of business you wished 
to talk over ? 

Felgate. Well — yes, there is — but with your 
permission I think I'll postpone it until Mrs. Moly- 
neux is able to be present. 

Molyneux. Oh certainly, by all means ; J don't 
know what's detaining her. 

(Mrs. Molyneux comes in.) 

Ah, here she is. My dear, here is Mr. Felgate. 

Mrs. Molyneux. So I'm very glad to see. 
(crosses below Molyneux to Felgate, shaking hands 
with him) 

(Molyneux gets little more c.) 

How are you, Mr. Felgate ? Just got back, I sup- 
pose. 

Felgate. Yes, I've only just returned from 
(thinking about the body) Lapworthy Park. 

Mrs. Molyneux. Sit down again, Mr. Felgate- 
(turning to Molyneux) I thought Horace Beckton 
was here. 

Molyneux. So he was. 

Mrs. Molyneux. What did he want? 

Molyneux. It was a question of the next succes- 
sor to the Dukedom. Old Gallminster wished us 
to take him in hand. I said that our shutters were 






Act I.] THE BEAR LEADERS. 17 

now permanently up. and that we couldn't hear of it. 

Mrs. Molyneux. Oddly enough I've had a wire. 
(turns and steps towards Felgate) Will you excuse 
me a moment, Mr. Felgate ? 

Felgate. Certainly, (he gets newspaper from 
table R.c, sits on chesterfield R.) 

Mrs. Molyneux. (goes a little l.c. with Moly- 
neux) I've had a wire from old Jane Grimsdal 

Molyneux, The Dowager Countess ? 

Mrs. Molyneuux. Yes, she'd like us to under- 
take a similar job in the matter of Lady Marjorie 
Hillborn — her grand- daughter — a little devil of sorts, 
who has been keeping the family busy, (she gives 
Molyneux telegram) 

Molyneux. Have you sent a return wire saying 
—No ? 

Mrs. Molyneux. It wouldn't have been any good ; 
old Jane seems to have put a label on her and sent her 
off without waiting for a refusal. I thought you might 
have met her at Victoria — turned her head round 
and sent her back. 

Molyneux. 1 can't get away just now, and we're 
really forgetting Felgate. 

Mrs. Molyneux. Yes, we are ; I'm quite ashamed. 

(Felgate rises, puts newspaper on table r.c.) 

You wanted to talk to me, Mr. Felgate ? (crosses 
to Felgate) 
Felgate. Well, yes 1 did. 

(Molyneux goes up stage a little.) 

B 



18 THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act I. 

Mrs. Molyneux. (sits on settee r.) Please go 
ahead, then. 

Felgate. {he sits r. of her on settee) I'm sure, 
Mrs. Molyneux, you must feel it a great satisfaction 
that the affectionate regard in which you were per- 
sonally held by your godfather Mr. Lapworth y 
remained undiminished to the end. 

Mrs. Molyneux. Yes, I'm very glad to think so ; 
the dear old chap was always very good to me. 

(Molyneux gets chair by table r.c. brings it a little 
dcun, sits l. of Mrs. Moly^neux.) 

Molyneux. (happily) Felgate sayst he will has 
not yet been read ? 

Felgate. No, I was about to deal with that 
quest io n. Nearly a year ago Mr. Lap worthy executed 
a will in which he bequeathed the bulk — I might 
really say the whole of his property to yourself, Mrs, 
Molyneux. 

Mrs. Molyneux. (she nods gravely) I know. 

Molyneux. That was the best of Lap worthy ; 
he was so thorough. 

Felgate. By his direction I acquainted you with 
his intentions. I prepared the will ; he signed it, 
and retained it in his own possession (points this), 
and 1 feel assured there is no later will in existence. 

(Sigh of satisfaction from Molyneux.) 

The only difficulty is that for the moment we can't 
find it. 



Act THE BEAR LEADERS. 19 

(Pause. Mrs. Molyneux looks at him, then turns to 
Molyneux, then turns to Felgate, speaks; they 
both sit up.) 

Mrs. Molyneux. Can't find it ? 

Molyneux. Do you mean to sit there — ah — 
calmly, Felgate, and say the will can't be found ? 

Felgate. I don't say it camH be found ; I only say 
it hasn't been found yet. 

Molyneux. Have you looked for it ? 

Felgate. Actively, (hasn't spared hint self) I 
have glanced through his papers myself , and although 
it is the busy season with us a detachment of my 
clerks are vigorously continuing the search. 

Molyneux. Without result ? 

Felgate. So far without result; 

Molyneux. (indignantly) Then what's the— 
ah — careless old fool done with it ? 

Felgate. Not easy to say — after all, a will is 
merely a printed form like another — a man might 
inadvertently put it behind the fire in mistake for an 
ordinary charitable appeal. 

Molyneux. (rises, puts chair back) Put it be- 
hind the fire, but 

Mrs. Molyneux. How do matters exactly stand, 
Mr. Felgate? 

Felgate. For the moment the inheritance of the 
estate is — in abeyance. 

Molyneux. {indignantly) In abeyance ; but 
dash it all we've been living in abeyance for years* 



20 THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act I. 

Just lately — thanks to the state of Mr. Lapworthy's 
health — we felt justified in branching out a bit ; we 
acquired the lease of this house. 

Mrs. Molyneux. Some of the premium is still 
in abeyance. 

Molyneux. We're not to blame. Quite so ; we 
haven't been hasty ; it wasn't till the — ah— final re- 
lapse about three weeks ago, that we bought the 
motor ; and now a setback of this kind is really 
tragic, (crosses up to the back) 

Mrs. Molyneux. You don't think he meant to 
destroy the will ? 

Felgate. No ! I've no reason to suppose so ; 
you're not aware of any change in his attitude to- 
wards you ? 

Mrs. Molyneux. No ; he sent us the usual 
pheasants in October, and the usual hothouse 
grapes throughout the year. 

Molyneux. (comes down l. of them from the hack) 
We on our side despatched our usual Christmas card 
with a verse of poetry in which affection and respect 
were rather happily combined, (proud of it) 

Felgate. Then I give it up. 

Molyneux. Give it up ! For the love of Heaven, 
don't say that ! 

Felgate. I mean I can suggest no plausible 
explanation. 

Mrs. Molyneux. What happens if we don't 
find the will ? 

Felgate. Oh well, (casually) In that case the 



Act I.] THE BEAR LEADERS. 21 

estate .would go to Mr. Lapworthy's next of kin — 
his brother. 

Molyneux. His brother ? His beastly grasping 
stock-broking brother ? (bends over to Mrs. Moly- 
neux) It's enough to make Mr. Lapworthy turn 
in his grave. 

Mrs. Molyneux. Yes, but if he did I don't 
see that it would do us any particular good. 

(Molyneux goes up to window up r.c.) 

Felgate. Well, it's too early to lose hope yet. 

Molyneux. (coming down to back of settee r. ; 
they turn to him) Too early ? I should think it was. 
Now please, my dear Felgate, in the matter of clerks 
don't consider expense ; put them all on to it — even 
the office boy — and the messengers. Let them ran- 
sack every corner, crawl through every drain-pipe ; 
we'll make it up to them, or to their wives and 
families if they shouldn't survive, (crosses to up l.c.) 

Felgate. (rising) Very good, (he crosses her 
below her to l. of Iter) I'll do as you suggest. 

(She rises.) 

It is tiresome about the will ; but things do get mis- 
laid. 

(Molyneux comes down to l. of Felgate.) 

I couldn't find my hat-brush this morning. 

Molyneux. Hat-brush ! (crosses in disgust 
up to window up l., throws it open, goes on to balcony) 

Felgate. And very nearly lost my early train. 



22 THE BEAR LEADERS. |ActI.' 

Good-bye, Mrs. Molyneux ; I'm sorry to have been 
the bearer of such unsatisfactory news. 

Mrs. Molyneux. Oh, that's all right ; better 
luck next time you come. 

(They shake hands.) 

Felgate. I hope so. (turns and is going to 
opening up l.) 

Molyneux. (rushes at him, is l. of him) You'll 
keep us in touch with affairs at Lapworthy Park ? 

Felgate. Certainly ; you may depend on me. 
Good-bye. 

(They shake hands, Felgate crosses below him.) 

Molyneux. (doesn't release his hand ; Felgate 
is pushed back) We shall hear from you ? 
Felgate. Oh yes, yes. 

(Mrs. Molyneux crosses and sits on settee r.) 

Molyneux. Good-bye. 

(Felgate goes.) 

(Slight pause. Molyneux turns from up c.) 

Mrs. Molyneux. Well, what do you say to this ? 

Molyneux. I say, Damn ! 

Mrs. Molyneux. Oh yes, of course ; but damn 
doesn't take us very far — what after damn ? 

Molyneux. I don't know. 

Mrs. Molyneux. It seems to me what we want 
is a tide over. 

Molyneux. Were you thinking of Gallminster 
and his cub ? 



Act I.] THE BEAR LEADERS. 33 

Mrs. Molyneux. No, I was blinking of Jane 
Grimsdal— and hers — I expect Lady Marjoric Hill- 
born will turn up in a minute or two ; under the 
circumstances perhaps we'd better be hospitable. 

Molyneux. (crosses behind settee R, and works 
his way later do am to l. of Mrs. Molyneux) I sup- 
pose it wouldn't do to take them both on ? 

Mrs. Molyneux. Too big a risk, don't you think ? 
The Duke and the old Countess hate one another : 
there's been a family feud for years. 

Molyneux. Yes. What did it date from ? (sits 
r. of her on settee R.) 

Mrs. Molyneux. Somewhere in the remote past 
—before anybody was born— -Gallminster nearly 
married her, and then didn't ; and instead of being 
grateful to him she cut up permanently rough, so 
they've been Montague and Capulet ever since. 

Molyneux. If we're careful I don't see that the 
relations on either side need be any the wiser. 

Mrs. Molyneux. The point is : would the Duke 
and the Countess pay up if they found us out ? 

Molyneux. Probably not, and therefore in both 
directions we must insist that a heavy instalment of 
our fees shall be paid in advance. 

Mrs. Molyneux. (lightly) Then we chance it ? 

Molyneux. (lightly) We chance it. 

(Byles comes in from up l.) 
Byles. Lady Marjorie Hillborn. 

(Lady Marjorie comes on.) 



24 THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act I. 

Mrs. Molyneux. (rises, crosses to up c.) Good 
morning, dear ; you found your way ? 

Lady Marjorie. Yes, I did ; there was no one at 
the station to help me to do it. 

(Byles goes out.) 

Mrs. Molyneux. You're only just ahead of your 
wire, and we happened to be busy. 

Lady Marjorie. You're Mrs. Molyneux, I sup- 
pose ? 

Mrs. Molyneux. Yes ; this is Mr. Molyneux. 
(Molyneux steps up.) 
Won't you sit down ? 

Lady Marjorie. No ; I sat down all the time I 
was in the train. 

Mrs. Molyneux. One generally does. 

(Lady Marjorie crosses down slowly below settee l. 
Mrs. Molyneux turns to Molyneux, who steps 
to her.) 

walks down with Molyneux) Stanhope, Lady 
Marjorie and I will have to go through the usual pre- 
liminaries ; so if you've anything to do you may as 
well go and do it. 

Molyneux. Yes ; I. think I'll get into some 
different clothes. As matters stand, half mourning 
would meet the case ; in fact (crosses towards l.), 
in my present frame of mind, grey trousers would be 
a safety valve, (from door down R.) How soon shall 
I come back ? 

Mrs. Molyneux. (glancing at Lady Marjorie, 



ActL] THE BEAR LEADERS. 25 

who is strolling about the room) I fancy ten minutes 
ought to see us through. 

Molyneux. All right. 

(He (joes.) 

Mrs. Molyneux. [goes up c. They both look 
at one another) Now then, Lady Marjorie, we'd 
better begin to know each other 

Lady Marjorie. I'm not going to like you. 
(looks away) 

Mrs. Molyneux. I wouldn't be too sure of that, 
(look bus.) Sit down ; you can dislike me more 
comfortably in a sitting position. 

(Mrs. Molyneux makes a gesture. Lady Molyneux 

looks at her mutinously for a minute, and then sits.) 
That's better. Well, now, what's all this about ? 
What's the matter with you ? (looks at her examining 
her) 

Lady Marjorie. According to Grandmama I'm 
impossible. 

Mrs. Molyneux. That's understood — if you 
weren't impossible I shouldn't have had the pleasure 
of making your acquaintance ; in what special way 
impossible ? 

Lady Molyneux. Grandmama gave me this 
letter for you. 

(She takes out a letter, looks at and Mrs. Molyneux 
takes letter, opens it, and reads it.) 

I believe it contains references as to character 

Mrs. Molyneux. All right ; I'll look at it. Ah 



26 THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act I. 

yes, I see ; finishing school left you — rather un- 
finished—a violent temper. How violent ? 

Lady Marjorie. My temper gets out of hand 
sometimes. 

Mrs. Molyneux. (looks at letter) And you are 
apt to lie on your back and tap the floor with your 
heels ? 

Lady Marjorie. I've known it happen. 

Mrs. Molyneux. Well, it mustn't happen here ; 
our carpets are beaten when they need it — in the 
regular way. (looks at letter. Lady Marjorie 
looks at audience) You break china, don't you ? 

Lady Marjorie. (looks at her) I have broken 
china. 

Mrs. Molyneux. We don't encourage china 
breaking ; my maid-servants do all that is necessary 
in that direction. Jane doesn't write very dis- 
tinctly ; but from what I can make out, you don't 
want to be married. 

Lady Marjorie. No, I don't. 

Mrs. Molyneux. There seems to be a Sir Kennedy 
Loonies, (looking at letter) 

Lady Marjorie. Beast ! 

Mrs. Molyneux. What? 

Lady Marjorie. (looks up) I meant Sir Ken- 
nedy Loomes. 

Mrs. Molyneux. I'm glad to hear it. Have 
you seen Loomes— in the flesh ? 

Lady Marjorie. Yes, but he hasn't any flesh ; 
he's a long dismal parliamentary brute. 



Act I.] THE BEAR LEADERS. $? 

Mrs. Molyneux. He might grow on you. 
Lady Marjorie. Perhaps he might ; he looks 
like a kind of fungus. I don't want to" marry any- 
body ; I'm not fit for it. ' , - 

Mrs. Molyneux. Are you conceited enough to 
suppose that you're fit for anything else ? I gather 
Sir Kennedy Loomes led up to the china episode ? 
(looking at letter) 
Lady Marjorie. Yes. , 

Mrs. Molyneux (glancing at letter) Two expensive 
vases. 

Lady Marjorie. {looks at Mrs. Molyneux) 
And an oriental salad bowl, (to audience) I wanted 
to go out into the world and lead my own life. 

Mrs. Molyneux. (putting back letter in envelope) 
Ah, you've been reading the wrong kind of novel. 
You belong to a great family and a great family has 
to pay its duties — life duties and death duties. So, 
on the whole, I'm afraid you'll have to reconsider 
(shaking letter at her) Sir Kennedy Loomes. 

Lady Marjorie. (looking at Mrs. Molyneux.) 
I want to lead my own life. 

Mrs. Molyneux. Yes. Well, for the present 
you've got to lead it with me ; and I have a pre- 
ference for leading it quietly. 

(Mrs. Molyneux rises, goes up by r. end of settee r., 
pauses, then goes up back of settee r. towards bell. 
Mrs. Molyneux, after ringing bell, comes toback of 
settee, leans over back of it r. of her.) 



28 THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act I. 

If you choose to fall into line you'll find me easy 
going enough (rings bell), if you don't you will lead 
your own life in your own room — which is simply 
furnished with nothing in it valuable except the 
cheval glass — and if you break that your luck will 
speedily follow, (crosses towards (c.) Now you'd 
better have a brush up, and then we'll go and buy 
you 'something human to wear ; the hat is well 
intentioned, but it won't do at all. 

Lady Marjorie. (rises) Won't it ? 

Mrs. Molyneux. No, it won't. 

(Byles comes in.) 

Show Lady Marjorie Hillborn to her room. 

(Lady Marjorie looks at Mrs. Molyneux rebelliously 
for a moment. Mrs. Molyneux makes a gesture: 
Lady Marjorie then turns up stage, looks at Mrs. 
Molyneux over her r. shoulder, and sulkily out.) 

(Molyneux enters hastily by door r. He has put on 
a fancy waistcoat and grey trousers ; he is also 
wearing a fink carnation in his buttonhole. Mrs. 
Molyneux goes up, looks after Lady Marjorie.) 

Molyneux. Well, dear ? 

Mrs. Molyneux. (over her shoulder) I shall 
make a job of her. 

Molyneux. (goes up to r. of her) I suppose you 
didn't say anything to Lady Marjorie about the 
future Duke ? 

Mrs. Molyneux. (turns to him) No, 1 didn't 



ActL] THE BEAR LEADERS. 29 

think there was any hurry for that ; she won't take 
to him. 

Molyneux. You think not ? 

Mrs. Molyneux. Oh no ; she isn't out to like 
anybody ; she'll end by loathing him quite as 
thoroughly as she does you and me. 

Molyneux. (relieved) Ah well, that's reassuring. 
(crosses r.) 

(Byles comes in. Mrs. Molyneux turns up to 
table R.c, puts down letter.) 

Byles. Mr. Beckton. 

(Beckton comes on. Byles goes out.) 

Beckton. Hullo, man ! you're at home and 
visible ; that's a bit of luck. 

Molyneux. (comes towards them) So you've 
forced your way in again, Beckton, you're worse than 
water rates. 

Beckton. You trot away, old chap (waving 
him off), andj^leave the Missus and me to talk busi- 
ness. Why ain't you at Newmarket ? 

Molyneux. I am at home nursing a wounded 
heart. 

Beckton. Judgin' by the look of you, you seem 
to be buckin' up— what ? Throwin' things off — 
your black trousers in particular. 

Molyneux. One can't mourn for ever ! (goes 
up R. of settee r. to fire) 

Beckton. (takes her arm coaxinghj) Now look 
here, Mam, are you goin' to take pity on the Dook ? 



30 THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act I., 

Remember he's an old man with one big toe in the 
grave ; will you take this young bear cub in hand 
and make somethin' of him, and give Grosvenor 
Square a chance of simmering down. 

(Molyneux puts newspaper on back of settee r.c.) 

Mrs. Molyneux. What's his name ? (she sits 
chair by table r.c.) 

Beckton. Petworth. 

Mrs. Molyneux. Christian name ? 

Beckton. Edward. 

Mrs. Molyneux. Edward — well, as he's a bear 
cub we'd better call him Teddy. 

Beckton. (laughs) As to terms, Mam ? 
(Molyneux comes down a little.) 

Mrs. Molyneux. Terms ? Oh — a free hand— 
and a blank cheque, (glancing at Molyneux) Eh ? 

Molyneux. (at back of settee r.) Both are abso- 
lutely essential. 

Beckton. That's perfectly all right ; the Dook 
wouldn't limit you in any way. 

(Molyneux crosses back to the fire.) 

Mrs. Molyneux. Where is the future Dukelet ? 
Have you got him about you ? 

Beckton. He's downstairs in a taxi ; I'll fetch 
him up. 

(He goes wp l. off hastily.) 
Molyneux. (to back of settee R. across table r.c. to 
Mrs. Molyneux.) Well, we've burnt our boats 



Act I.] THE BEAR LEADERS. 31 

now, and vve must hope for the best; everything is 
blank at present. 

Mrs. Molyneux. (across l. of table r.c.) Includ- 
ing the cheque, (looks up at him) 

Mojlyneux: Ah, exactly ; that was a timely 
reminder. I shall have to settle with Beckton ; but 
you know ii' the two young people took an infernal 
fancy to eacli other it would be heart-breaking. 

Mrs. Molyneux. Nothing about Lady Marjorie 
will lead to any kind of heart-breaking ; china is 
more in her line. 

(Beckton comes in up l. bringing Edward Petworth 
with him. Mrs. Molyneux rises.) 

Beckton. Here he is. Petworth, this is Mrs. 
Molyneux ; and, incidentally, that is Mr. Molyneux. 
Make them a graceful bow. 

(Petworth bo ws a irk wardly and drops his hat. Moly- 
neux comes down R. of settee r. to front of it.) 

Ah, take care of the pretty hat ! (aside to Mrs. 
Molyneux) We're feelin' a little shy at first ; but 
you'll put that right — I'll leave him to you. Oh, 
by the bye — on the chance of findin' you I wrote a 
note with a few family directions in it — they won't 
cramp you — there you are. (gives letter to her) 
Good-bye, young fella ; mind you do every thin' that 
Mrs. Molly tells you, and wait till she tells you before 
you do it. (crosses up l.) 

Molyneux. I shall want two words with you in 
the library, Beckton. 



32 THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act I. 

Beckton. You can have three, old chap, if you'll 
collect 'em at once, because I'm in a bit of a hurry. 

(Beckton goes up to door. Molyneux crosses, 
turns to Pet worth.) 

Molyneux. [from r. of him, then crosses him to 
l. of him) I don't think we've shaken hands yet. 
I'm delighted to know you. How are you ? 

(They shake hands. Petworth again drops his hat.) 

Ah, my fault, (they both stoop to pick it up) § 
Beckton. He's very reckless with that pretty 

hat. Come along, Molly. 
Molyneux. I'm with you. 

(They go off.) 

(Slight pause. Mrs. Molyneux watches them off, 
she and Petworth look at one another ; she smiles 
at him ; gradually the shy hunted look in his face is 
replaced by a sheepish grin.) 
Mrs. Molyneux. Well, Mr. Petworth, friendship 

isn't built in ten minutes — so we won't waste time. 

Could you nerve yourself to come and sit here ? 
Petworth. Yes. (advances to settee) 
Mrs. Molyneux. The only thing is : do we 

really want the hat ? 

(He pauses, looks about, and puts it d,own on chair up 
l. of table up c.) 

That's right ; if somebody sits on it — it may be all 

for the best. Now come along and we'll see where 

we are. 



Act I.] THE BEAR LEADERS. 33 

(He (joes over and sits by her.) 

How old are you, Edward ? 

Petworth. I say, don't call me Edward — Edward 
sounds beastly. 

Mrs. Molyneux. Then we'll make a short cut to 
Teddy. How old are you, Teddy ? 

Petworth. Twenty- two. 

Mrs. Molyneux. Twenty-two ; that's a ripe 
age. Would you like to smoke ? . I suppose you do 
smoke ? 

Petworth. Oh yes, I smoke, (produces cigarette 
case — ivhich he opens) 

Mrs. Molyneux. Ah ! wrong kind of cigarette 
case. 

Petworth. Is it ? (holds it open towards her) 

Mrs. Molyneux. Yes, and not quite the right 
brand of cigarettes. 

Petworth. Aren't they ? (puts case back in his 
pocket) 

Mrs. Molyneux. No ; but I see Mr. Molyneux 
has left his case, and 1 believe bis cigarettes are 
smokable. 

Petworth. (taking one) Bags 1 

Mrs. Molyneux. What ? 

Petworth. I said, bags I (he lights cigarette) 

Mrs. Molyneux. How do you like the notion of 
being a duke — later on ? 

Petworth. It's beastly, (blows out match) 

Mrs. Molyneux. Why beastly? 



U THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act I. 

Petworth. It's such an awful fag ; you see if my 
people — specially the mater — had had any notion 
when I was a kid that I'd got this ahead of me — I 
expect it would have meant Eton — and Oxford ; as 
it is, Beckton says I'm slack baked. 

Mrs. Molyneux. We'll put you in our oven for a 
bit and see what happens. What's your temper 
like ? 

Pet worth. My late governor used to say I had a 
sulky temper. 

Mrs. Molyneux. You wouldn't be sulky with 
me. 

Petworth. Oh no, I'm going to like you. 

Mrs. Molyneux. Are you ? That's all right. 
How long have you known about your change of 
prospects ? 

Petworth. The family lawyer sent for me about 
six months ago; he's a blighter. 

Mrs. Molyneux. Is he ? 

Petworth. Yes, but thank goodness he's a busy 
blighter ; so Tve been seein' life. 

Mrs. Molyneux. (looks at him) Have you ? 
What kind of life ? (he grins) Don't mind me ; 
what kind of life ? 

Petworth. I dunno. Life. 

Mrs. Molyneux. I see. {smiles at him) Fond 
of the theatres ? 

Petworth. Some. 

Mrs. Molyneux. Shakespeare ? 

Petworth. Not much. 



Act i. 



THE BEAR LEADERS. 



35 



something 



with 



And a few dozen girls ? 



with a smile at him] 



don't 



Nothing- 



present 
1 think 



Mrs. Molyneux. Yon prefer 
music in it ? 

Petworth. Yes. 

Mrs. Molyneux. 

Petworth. No ; 
care for girls. 

Mrs. Molyneux. 
that flaps ? 

Petworth. Nothing that flaps. 

Mrs. Molyneux. I see, well, under 
circumstances perhaps that's just as well. 
I'll read this letter of Horace Beckton's if you don't 
mind ; it's about you. 

Petworth. Is it ? 

Mrs. Molyneux. {reading) " Dear Mrs. Molly. — 
just a hint or two — first on behalf of his anxious 
mother — not too much latch key (he smiles), and he's 
to wear thick jaeger during the autumn and winter 
months." {his smile jades) Ah, that's in Mr. 
Molyneux's department, (again reads) " Now on 

behalf of the Duke His Grace feels that the 

family gingerbread wants a little re-gilding — and 
that the cablet." (turning to Petworth) You're 
the cublet. 

Petworth. (gloomily) Cheek ! 

Mrs. Molyneux. (again reading) " The cublet 
had better marry money — and do it quick. So will 
you please be at home to Lady Tuddenham ? Tud- 
denham made a million or so out of something domes- 
ticated — I think stair carpets ; but, anyhow, there's 



30 TH E BEAR LEADERS. [Act I. 

a providential daughter — will you take her and 
Master Teddy by the scruffs of their necks and knock 
their silly heads together. Your devoted slave. — 
H. Beckton." (she looks up at him, he turns and 
looks at her) 

Petworth. What does he blessed well mean ? 
(cigarette out) 

Mrs. Molyneux. (right at him) You're to wear 
thick jaeger during the autumn and winter months, 
and you're to marry Miss Tuddenham — that's what 
he blessed well means. 

Petworth. (jumps up impulsively, goes to her) 

But — you see, old dear (backs a little) You don't 

mind my calling you old dear ? 

Mrs. Molyneux. Not at all ; 1 like it. (she 
moves to r. end of settee, motions him to sit by her) 

Petworth. (he does so) I hate the notion of 
marrying this Tuddenham girl, (with hope) Of 
course there's an off chance she might feel the same 
about me. 

Mrs. Molyneux. You're going to be a duke ; 
1 wouldn't build on it. 

Petworth. Rotten luck having to be a duke. 

Mrs. Molyneux. You must face your misfortunes 
like a man. At one time there was a popular institu- 
tion called the Pillory, in which criminals were pelted 
with everything that came [to hand. Nowadays the 
Pillory is reserved for the best people, (hand on 
his arm) You've got to be a Duke, so you'll have to 



Act L I THE BEAR LEADERS. 37 

face the stones, and the broken bottles, and eggs that 
are over- due. 

Pet worth. I suppose I shall get the hang of it in 
time. 

Mrs. Molyneux. Of course you will ; we'll see 
to that. Oh, I may as well tell you we have a girl 
staying with us — she's in your way of business — 
grand-daughter of a countess — Lady^ Marjorie Hill- 
born — a nice girl, but rather quick-tempered. 

Pet worth. Oh. 

Mrs. Molyneux. Yes. If she should happen to 
throw a plate at your head you mustn't take any 
notice ; it's only her way. 

Petworth. Is it ? 

Mrs. Molyneux. Yes ; she wouldn't mean any- 
thing, (hand on his shoulder ; he turns to her) Well, 
Teddy, I hope you feel that we shall do our best to 
make you thoroughly comfortable. 

Petworth. Oh, I do. 

Mrs. Molyneux. You shall have your latch key, 
(he smiles again), and then you can start seeing life 
again ; but, as a rule, I think you'd better try to see 
it before midnight. 

(Molyneux comes in. She rises, crosses Petworth 
to Molyneux. Petworth rises.) 

Weil, how about Horace Beckton ? 

Molyneux. (sits on settee l. looking at pocket 
book) Everything thoroughly satisfactory. 

Mrs. Molyneux. Good. Mr. Petworth has learnt 



38 THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act I. 

his alphabet, and you can try him with words of 
one syllable. I must go and look after our other 
responsibility, (making a movement to up l.) 

Pet worth, {follows her nervously. Goes up to 
r. of her, cigarette case out) I say, you didn't think 
my cigarette case was quite the thing ? I shouldn't 
like Mr. Molyneux to see it ; what shall 1 do with it ? 

Mrs. Molyneux. Bags I. (taking it) 

(She goes off up l.) 

(Petworth picks up hat. Molyneux closes book, 
rises.) 

Molyneux. (clears his throat. Petworth comes 
down a little. Molyneux goes up l. of him) Well 
now, Mr. Petworth, we must try to make a duke of 
you. Let us deal first with essentials. Do you play 
bridge ? 

Petworth. No. 

Molyneux. Then we'll teach you (touches him), 
at reasonable points. Billiards ? 

Petworth. No. 

Molyneux. (he needn't repine) Well, you needn't 
be discouraged ; the same principle applies. Golf ? 

Petworth. I went round the links once. 

Molyneux. That hardly amounts to proficiency. 
(pause) You don't seem to play anything — with 
the possible exception of hopscotch. 

Petworth. I have played hopscotch. 

Molyneux. Yes, but even if you were in the first 
flight it would hardly secure you an entry into the 



Act I.] THE BEAR LEADERS. 39 

best houses, (brushes his moustache) Now then for 
preliminary drill, (drill sergeant) Do me the favour 
to hold yourself up and face me. (Pet worth does 
so.) Oh dear ! oh dear ! oh dear ! 

Petworth. What's wrong, sir ? 

Molyneux. Everything ! Your trousers are an 
outrage, but they're better than the coat. Kindly 
unbutton it. 

(Petworth does so. He looks round, then puts his 
hat on l. arm of settee R., turns, unbuttons his coat. 
Molyneux has turned away to wipe his eyeglass, 
then turns to Petworth — Bus. when he sees waist- 
coat.) 

Oh, gracious goodness ! What's that ? 

Petworth. The waistcoat ; the tailor sold it to 
me for a waistcoat. 

Molyneux. May Heaven forgive him. (hope- 
lessly) Kindly turn round. (Petworth does so) 
Yes, we must get our hair cut immediately ; give me 
your hand. (Petworth does so) Quite so ; we must 
be decisively manicured without delay, (crosses to 
l. settee, sits) 

Petworth. (steps to him irritably) Ain't there 
anything about me that happens to be right ? 

Molyneux. I haven't noticed anything up to 
now ; can you ride ? 

Petworth. Ride ? 

Molyneux. Yes, I don't mean roundabouts at a 
village fair — a horse ? 



40 THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act I. 

Pet worth. No. 

Molyneux. I thought not — well he backs up 

a bit) There is one creditable thing about you — you're 
most beautifully consistent. Dear me, I'm forgetting 
the most important point of all — the regulation 
of your pocket money. Are you well provided at 
present ? 

Pet worth, (searching his pockets and produces 
half a sovereign) Half a sovereign, {produces some 
silver out of trousers pocket) Three half-crowns — and 
{diving into another pocket) threepence in coppers — 
seventeen and nine. 

Molyneux. Seventeen and ninepence. What 
have you done with the rest of it ? 

Petworth. I dunno. (on the defensive) I've 
been seeing life, and it comes a bit expensive. 

Molyneux. When will the next quarter's allow- 
ance be due ? 

Petworth. It's about due now. 

Molyneux. (rises) Then write to the lawyers by 
the next post. You see, what you want is social 
polish ; you must be taught the art which is not 
acquired in a moment — of giving the right kind of 
restaurant dinner to a friend. For the first week or 
so (ready to sacrifice himself) you can practise on 
me. (look from Petworth.) We might have begun 
to-night ; but seventeen and ninepence ties our 
hands. 

Petworth. The lawyers are mean blighters. 

Molyneux. Are they ! That's a pity. 



Act I.J THE BEAR LEADERS. 41 

(Molyneux from l. of him takes Pet worth's arm; 
they go down a little R.c. together.) 

Because, as it happens, I have a free evening, and the 
purchase of a couple of stalls at the Gaiety would 
have been a useful experience for you — and a bit of 
supper afterwards would have rounded it off. {turns 
up stage c.) 

(Petworth goes down R. below r. end of settee r.) 

But there's no scope in seventeen and ninepence. 

(Mrs. Molyneux comes on dressed for out of doors — 

followed by Lady Marjorie similarly attired. 

Lady Marjorie crosses down l.) 

Well, dear, there you are — going out ? 

(The cubs stare at one another;) 

Mrs. Molyneux. Yes, I've been looking through 
her wardrobe ; none of it's any good. So we've got 
a busy afternoon before us. 

Molyneux. My own duties are identical, (he goes 
to Mrs. Molyneux) 1 suppose they'd better know 
each other ? 

Mrs. Molyneux. Yes, they'll have to. (goes to 
Lady Marjorie — Molyneux goes to Petworth) 
Lady Marjorie, this is Mr. Edward Petworth ; he's 
going to be a duke, but that's not his fault ; he's 
staying with us at present, so will you try to be 
moderately civil to him ? 

Lady Marjorie. I hate being civil to people ; 
I'm not used to it. 



42 THE RE4H LEADERS. [Act I. 

Mrs. Molyneux. (hands on her shoulders) No ; 
but you'll make an exception in his favour. 

Lady Marjorie. Why ? 

Mrs. Molyneux. (turns her round and pushes 
her up c.) Because I wish it. (to Molyneux, she 
goes down l.) Ask Teddy to step this way. 

Molyneux. (from l. of him) Go forward and 
greet Lady Marjorie Hillborn. (there is a pause) 
What are you waiting for ? 

Pet worth, (aside) I hate girls. 

Molyneux. There's no objection to that ; but 
surely you can hate her like a gentleman, (mous- 
tache bus.) Now then, advance with an air of 
careless haughtiness. 

(Petworth crouches round slowly to centre. During 
this Mrs. Molyneux has motioned Lady Marjorie 
to go to centre.) 

Lady Marjorie. (to Mrs. Molyneux) What's 
the matter with the young idiot ? 

Mrs. Molyneux. He doesn't care for girls. 

Lady Marjorie. Oh, doesn't he ? 
(The (j look at one another without speaking for a second 
or two.) 

Petworth. (in a low voice) How arc you ? 

Lady Marjorie. What ? 

Petworth. (still in a low voice) How are you ? 

Lady Marjorie. Speak up ; I can't hear you. 

Petworth. (very loudly) How are you ? 

Lady Marjorie. (looks at him) Oh, well, if you 



Act I.] THE BEAR LEADERS. 43 

want to know I'm feeling bored — and tired. I've just 
come off a railway journey. I've no wish to be 
introduced to any new acquaintances, and on the 
whole I should like to go to bed. 

Petworth. I shouldn't think any new acquaint- 
ance would care to baulk you. 

Lady Marjorie. (looks at him) I once threw a 
Dresden 'cup at the head of a new acquaintance who 
was rude. 

Petworth. Did you ? 

Lady Marjorie. Yes, and I picked the shins of 
another new acquaintance for the same reason ; 
he was a clergyman ; it was the second time we met. 

Petworth. Was there a third time ? 

Lady Marjorie. No. 

Petworth. I'm not surprised. 

Lady Marjorie. (bus. and a light pause before 
she speaks) I'm told you don't like girls. 

Petworth. There are girls — and girls — but take 
'em all round I hate the lot. 

Lady Marjorie. Ah, well, as it happens I loathe 
schoolboys. 

Petworth. I'm not a schoolboy, (movement 
towards them from Mrs. Molyneux.) 

Lady Marjorie. (face to face) 1 particularly 
loathe boys who aren't at school — and ought to be. 
(Mrs. Molyneux goes.) 

Petworth. Look here, you know. 

(Mrs. Molyneux pulls her round to l. of herself. 



44 THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act I. 

Molyneux pulls Petworth round to r. of himself.) 
Mrs. Molyneux. I think that'll do for the pre- 
sent. Call Teddy off, will you ? Sorry to inter- 
rupt the duet, but you're both getting a little out of 
tune. 

Lady Marjorie. I gave him one for himself, and 
I hope you liked it. 

Mrs. Molyneux. It doesn't worry me in the very 
least. 

(During this Molyneux has pushed and guided 
Pet worth over to r.) 

Petworth. But, here I say. (Mrs. Molyneux 
goes slowly up c.) 

Molyneux. Yes — but don't say it. 

(Mrs. Molyneux and Molyneux come together c.) 

Mrs. Molyneux. Very satisfactory for a begin- 
ning. 

Molyneux. Nothing could be more so. 

Mrs. Molyneux. So I think — till dinner then. 

Molyneux. Till dinner. 

Mrs. Molyneux. Come along, Lady Marjorie. 
(goes up to door up l.) We'll go and buy you some 
clothes. 

Molyneux. Petworth, follow me, (crosses below 
Petworth to door down c.) 

(As they are going in opposite directions, Petworth 
and Lady Marjorie turn and glare at each other.) 

Curtain. 



ACT II. 

Six weeks later. 

Scene. — Same as Act I. Time — afternoon. 

(Edward Petworth is lying on lounge r. smoking 
and reading " The Sporting Times." He is more 
carefully dressed and groomed than in Act I. 

Molyneux enters hastily — and irritably from up L.) 

Molyneux. There you are. (from down L.c. 
looking at his watch over to fire) Why the devil 
didn't you turn up at the Carlton ? 

Petworth. (on settee r. puts down paper) You 
said the Savoy, (over his shoulder) 

Molyneux. Nothing of the kind. I waited till 
two, thirty, and then lunched frugally at my own 
expense ; meanwhile I daresay you did yourself 
thoroughly well at the Savoy. 

Petworth. (lowering his feet to the ground) You 
told me to live up to my future position. 

Molyneux. Yes, but I never told you to live 
up to it by yourself, solitary drinking is a disgusting 
vice — solitary eating is almost as bad. Lady Tudden- 
ham and Miss Tuddenham will call on us for the 
first time this afternoon. 

45 



4G THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act II. 

Petworth. (rises, goes round settee r. to fire) 
Oh, blister Miss Tuddenham ! (scowls) 

Molyneux. (fires up) Blister Miss Tuddenham ? 
Miss Tuddenham is a charming, nice-minded, wealthy 
girl. Suppose it had been your ghastly destiny to 
marry Lady Marjorie Hillborn, how would you have 
liked that ? 

Petworth. (scowl changes into smile) I dunno? 
(thinks) 

Molyneux. Think of her temper ! 

Petworth. Most of 'em have got a temper. 

Molyneux. But such a plain girl — especially in 
profile — don't you think so ? (slight pause) 

(Petworth looks up and then away.) 

Petworth. I dunno. 

Molyneux. (goes a little l.) All this is by the 
way. (turns to Petworth from c.) the burning 
question — the (turns on him) — ah — scorching question 
is — what have you done with your last quarter's 
allowance ? 

(Petworth's face falls again.) 

Wehl hardly skimmed it — and you tell me it's gone. 

Petworth. (goes down to front of settee r. by l. 
of it) I suppose there was a time — long ago — when 
you were young yourself. 

Molyneux. The period is not so remote as to 
put a heavy strain on my memory, (turns away a 
little) 



IL] THE BEAU LEADERS. 47 

Petworth. Oh. well, it's a woman, 

Molyneux. A woman ! (goes to him) Good 
heavens ! (sits on settee l. of him) When did you 
meet her ? (eyeglass down) 

Petworth. While ! was on my own— before I 
came here. 

MOLYNEUX. Where ? 

Petworth. At the White City, she was waiting 
for friends; they didn't turn up. 

Molyneux. (eyeglass up) They never do ; what 
happened then ? 

Petworth. We tobogganed together. 

Molyneux. Ah yes ; the downward path is easy. 

Petworth. She's in business ; she's had money 
troubles, but she's a perfect lady. 

Molyneux. They always are. Did you write to 
her ? 

Petworth. Yes. 

Molyneux. Anything that could be twisted 
into a promise of marriage ? 

Petworth. I suppose it could. 

Molyneux. Well, this news will send the gout 
straight as the crow flies to the D.uke's stomach ! 
You became infatuated with this commercial female \ 

Petworth.. That's rot ; I've no use for the com- 
mercial female at all. 

Molyneux. You've done with her ? 

Petworth. Yes (relief for Molyneux) — but— 
she hasn't done with me. She's spotted who I 
really am— future Duke, and all that ; and since 



48 THE BEAR LEADERS. |ActII 

she found it out her business seems to have required 
a lot more capital. 

Molyneux. And you expect me to — ah — sym- 
pathize ? 

Petworth. No, I don't ; if you'd ever got into 
this sort of mess, you'd understand ; but one only 
has to look at you to see you ain't built that way. 

Molyneux. What do you mean ? How dare you 
imply there is anything in my personality that re- 
moves me from temptation. 

Petworth. Well, but 

Molyneux. I can tell you — that my life has been 
interspersed with lurid episodes, {catches Petworth 
grinning at him) I am speaking in the strictest 
confidence. 

Petworth. That's all right. 

Molyneux. (points this 'weighty remark) The 
heaviest fall that can overtake a man is when he 
catches his foot in a lace petticoat. To give you 
an instance : during the past year I made the acquain- 
tance of an outwardly charming woman, and it 
led 

Petworth. Yes ? (grins) 

Molyneux. I can rely on your discretion ? 

Petworth. Yes. 

Molyneux. It led to — gloves by the score — scent 
by the bucket — boxes at the theatre in which I was 
not able to show — ah — myself prominently — suppers 
— lunches — dinners (ahs) ; that's what it led to. 

Petworth. (wistfully) Flowers cost a bit too. 



Act II.] THE BEAR LEADERS. 49 

Molyneux. Not in this case ; it would have 
been coals to Newcastle — the lady is a florist. 

Petworth. (sits up) A what ? 

Molyneux. A florist ; what of it ? 

Petworth. Well, but (waking up) — my — my — 
er — — (gets a little nearer to him) 

Molyneux. Entanglement ? 

Petworth. My entanglement is a florist. 

Molyneux. You don't say so ! What is her 
name ? 

Petworth. It isn't county cricket to mention 
names ; but you're bound to know sooner or later — 
her name is Mescale. 

Molyneux. (faintly) Mescale et Cie ? 

Petworth. Yes. 

(Molyneux subsides heavily into settee.) 
You don't mean to say we're under the same umbrella ? 

Molyneux. I'm afraid we are. 

Petworth. Well, this is a giddy thunderbolt — 
what? 

Molyneux. 1 feel as if I'd stepped off a tram car 
prematurely. 

(A second's pause ; the two men look at each other.) 

Petworth. Cheer up, old man. (hope for himself) 
This is an extraordinary bit of luck. 

Molyneux. I don't perceive it. 

Petworth. Why, if she brought any rotten 
breach of promise against (Molyneux head up) me, 
my lawyer could put you in the witness box to prove 

D 



50 THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act II. 

what kind of light-hearted party she really is — and 
blow her case as high as a kite — how do you feel 
about that ? 

(Petworth only thinking of himself.) 

Molyneux. I never heard a more appalling sug- 
gestion. Think of my social and domestic position. 

Petworth. Oh, but you're responsible for me. 
And it's your duty 

Molyneux. (rising, goes c.) Duty be damned ! 
(up in tone) 1 shall have to approach our mutual— 
er 

Petworth. (rises to stop him) Entanglement. 
(grins) 

Molyneux. (look at ) Entanglement— 

diplomatically — in our joint interests ; meanwhile, 
not a whisper to anybody. 

. (Mrs. Molyneux comes in from up l.) 

Petworth. (step to him) Righto ! (their heads 
are together) 

Mrs. Molyneux. Stanhope. 

(They jump apart.) 

Molyneux. (startled) Yes, dear. 

(Petworth strolls a little r.) 

Mrs. Molyneux. 1 want a word with you before 
the Tuddenhams arrive. Hullo, Teddy! 

Molyneux. How do you like his get-up ? 

Mrs. Molyneux. Does you credit. 

Molyneux. I thought I should please yon. 



Act THE BEAR LEADERS. 51 

(Petv/orth goes, picks up "Sporting Times'''' from 

floor.) 
Any suggestion ? 

Mrs. Molyneux. The coat seems to ruck up a 
little in the waist. 

Molyneux. It does, {'pulls Petworth's coat 
tails down violently) That's better. 

Mrs. Molyneux. I'm not sure about the collar. 

Molyneux. Coat collar ? 

Mrs. Molyneux. Shirt collar. 

Molyneux. I quite agree with you ; go and put 
on a butterfly. 

Pet worth, (making movement to go r.) Righto. 

Molyneux. I put you through your tea-table 
drill yesterday morning, handing cake in the way it 
should be done. 

Mrs. Molyneux. He can try it again in his own 
room with the soap dish, {crosses to settee L., sits l. 
end of it) 

Pet worth. Righto ! 

(He goes off down r.) 

< Molyneux. Well now, dear — you wanted to 
speak to me. (he goes up for memo block and pencil) 

Mrs. Molyneux. Only about the ball — Thurs- 
day evening isn't far off. Can you hunt up a few 
more dancing men ? 

Molyneux. I'll try. (he comes down to her with 
memo block) The whole thing's a nuisance. 

Mrs. Molyneux. Yes, but old Jane makes a 



52 THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act II. 

point of it ; she wants Lady Marjorie to come out 
before the season's over. 

Molyneux. Of course it will only be a " small 
and early " on Thursday ? 

Mrs. Molyneux. We needn't tell Jane that. 

Molyneux. Oh no — as to the supper ? 

Mrs. Molyneux. That can be small and early ; 
will you go and arrange a contract with Pastarelli ? 

Molyneux. (sits r. of Mrs. Molyneux on settee 
l.) How many shall we be? 

Mrs. Molyneux. About two hundred. 

Molyneux. Two hundred. Ah, then we'd better 
say supper for — ah — fifty. 

Mrs. Molyneux. I should make it seventy; 
we ought to do the thing well. 

Molyneux. Perhaps you're right, (pointing this) 
We are on egg-shell china over this ball. Beckton 
will met Lady Marjorie. 

Mrs. Molyneux. He hates dancing ; he won't 
stay long. 

Molyneux. She ought to be under lock and key 
while the Tuddenhams are here to-day. 

Mrs. Molyneux. I'll see to that. 

Molyneux. When is her man, Sir Kennedy 
Loonies, likely to turn up ? 

Mrs. Molyneux. In a day or two ; he's been 
abroad, when he comes you must take Teddy out. 

Molyneux. Yes, I say — we don't want old 
Felgate on Thursday. 

Mrs. Molyneux. No. 



Act] I.] THE BEAR LEADERS. 53 

Molyneux. (telling the news about Felgate) 
He only drops in at inconvenient moments to tell us 
the will hasn't been found. Anything else ? 

Mrs. Molyneux. Call at Stimpson & Waygroves ; 
I suppose we must hire the tiara again. 

Molyneux. Yes ! (making note) Which — ah— 
tiarah ? 

Mrs. Molyneux. The small one ; the big one 
looks pasty, and has a habit of falling over my left 
eyebrow. 

Molyneux. How about palms and flowers ? 
{rises) Shall 1 call at ((joes up to table c.) 'Fresh- 
field's? 

Mrs. Molyneux. No ; Ittiline Daleborough put 
me on to a new shop. 

Molyneux. Ah, splendid ! (tears page out of 
memo block, puts memo block on table) 

Mrs. Molyneux. Mescale's. 

Molyneux. (stops suddenly as though shot, goes 
back to page of memo tablet in his hand) What name 
did you say, dear ? 

Mrs. Molyneux. Mescale ; just off Piccadilly. 

Molyneux. (puts paper in his pocket, takes out 
his handkerchief) Ah, well, yes ; but surely it's 
rather unfair to Freshfield. (wipes his forehead) 
He has his faults, but, after all, Freshfield must live 
— and (fainting a little, waves handkerchief) 

Mrs. Molyneux. What's the matter with you? 
Did you let yourself go at lunch ? 

Molyneux. No, a chop and a pint bottle of Pil- 



54 THE BEAR LEADERS. [ActIX 

sener ; I lunched alone (stronger), but reverting to 
Freshfield— — 

Mrs. Molyneux. (rises) Look here, Stanhope, 
bother Freshfield, I'm going to deal with Mescale. 

Molyneux. Well, you're running a risk ; her 
charges may be impossible ; anyhow, I'd better go 
there and ascertain. 

Mrs. Molyneux. You needn't do anything of 
the sort ; I've written to the woman to come here 
this afternoon. 

Molyneux. Good heavens ! But 

Mrs. Molyneux. It's all right ; leave the florist 
to me. Now you'd better get along. 

Molyneux. Yes, dear, certainly ; I'll go — 
immediately. 

Mrs. Molyneux. And when you come back, I 
should lie down for half an hour and sleep ofr the 
Pilsener, or you'll frighten the Tuddenhams. 

(Mrs. Molyneux goes off down l.) 
Molyneux. (crosses round to r. and then up, 'putting 
his notebook away) At this moment nothing would 
be so welcome to me as an earthquake 

(Lady Marjorie enters up l.) 
or failing that an inundation, (he turns up and 
meets Lady Marjorie, who has come on at back) 

Lady Marjorie (pause when they are face to 
face) Hullo, old Molly, (she faces audience) 

Molyneux. (backs to chair) Old Molly ! I 
must remind you. (she tries not to smile at him) — 



Act II.] THE BEAR LEADERS. 55 

not for the first time — that it's your duty to treat me 
with a degree of respect almost amounting to — ah — 
deference ; it is your duty to — ah 

Lady Marjorie. Have you ever had your shins 
kicked under the table ? 

Molyneux. Never ; why ? 

Lady Marjorie. I only asked the question., 

Molyneux. Ah, attend to me ; in a few days the 
unhappy gentleman who is to be your future husband 
will be back in England. 

Lady Marjorie. Stupid old Kennedy Loonies. 

Molyneux. Yes, stupid old — 1 mean Sir Kennedy 
Loonies ; and if he dines with us and there is any 
skin -kicking under the table, you will be carried 
shrieking to your own apartment by the butler. 
(butlah) 

Lady Marjorie. I don't like the dye you use for 
your moustache. 

Molyneux. (quickly puts his hand over his mouth) 
How dare you ! 

Lady Marjorie. It's darker than nature, and 
you've left a white line at the roots, like spats on a 
patent leather boot, 

Molyneux. You are one of the most impertinent 
(she smiles) and ungrateful girls in the universe. 

Lady Marjorie. Ungrateful ? 

Molyneux. You sneer at Sir Kennedy Loonies, 
but suppose you'd had to marry Edward Petworth— 

(She smiles to herself.) 



56 THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act II 

who is singularly ill-favoured — and has a brain which 
causes deep anxiety to all his friends. Poor Edward 
Petworth. 

Lady Marjorie. You mean Teddy kins, (crosses 
and sits on settee l.) 

Molyneux. Teddykins ! ! Return to your room, 
which you should not have quitted. 

(Byles enters hastily.) 

Lady Marjorie. (smiles) I mean to stay here 
and shock the Tuddenhams. 

(Molyneux, about to continue, crosses to.) 

Byles. You're wanted on the telephone, sir. 

Molyneux. I'll come, (to Lady Marjorie) 
Go back to your room. 

Lady Marjorie. (smiles) Shan't. 

Molyneux. Disgusting ! (step to c.) 

Byles. They seemed rather impatient, sir. 

Molyneux. I'm coming ; I shall return imme- 
diately, (step tip, then repeats " immediately ") 

(Then he goes off up l. hastily, followed by Byles. 

(Lady Marjorie dances a quiet triumphant waltz 
round the room to up c. After a second or two 
Petworth enters from r.) 

Petworth. Hello ! Getting into form for 
Thursday ! 

Lady Marjorie. Yes, that's it. (she sits on 



Act II. 1 THE BEAR LEADERS. 57 

lounge R.) ■ I should like a few minutes' conversation 
with your Grace that is to be. Pray be sweated. 
(indicating other end of lounge) 

Petworth (goes to her, looking at lounge, little 
surprise) All right ! {stops, gets behind r. arm of 
settee r.) but mind if I come within range — Soccer 
rules, not Rugger — no hacking. 

Lady Marjorie. I haven't got a hack in me. 



{Petworth makes as though to sit on settee r. ; she 
makes a movement, uncrosses her legs. He sits r. 
of her, puts his feet away from her.) 

Petworth. Good ! {pause, they look at each 
other) Well ? 

Lady Marjorie. How pretty you look! Is that 
all in honour of the Tuddenhams ? 

Petworth. I say, Pax. 

Lady Marjorie. Pax it is. {moves his legs) 
Teddy, the Molyneuxs are having a little game 
with us. 

Petworth. {little movement) I fancy they are. 

Lady Marjorie. I've found out things ; y on and 
I are to be kept apart for reasons of stats ; {finding 
fault with him as a relation) it seems that years ago 
your great-uncle behaved very badly to my grand- 
mother. 

Petworth. Did he ? 

Lady Marjorie. Yes, the Mollys had no business 
to take us both on at the same time, and there'd 



58 THE BEAR LEADERS. IActTT. 

be an awful row if they were found out, An'] that's 
why they want to put us against each other. 

PETWORTH. I S33. 

Lady Marjorie. (with a mischievous smile) 
That's why Molly pointed out to m.3 

Petworth. Yes ? 

Lady Marjorie. That you are singularly ill- 
favoured, and have a brain which oaiB33 d esp anxiety 
to all your friends. 

Petworth. Did he? 

Lady Marjorie. He did. 

Petworth. (gives her as good as she gave him) 
Ah ! then that was the reason he said to ni3 that 
you were such a plain girl — 

(She turns away from him frowning.) 
especially in profile. 

Lady Marjorie. Did he ? 

Petworth. He did. (slight pause) 

Lady Marjorie. Molly's a bsast. 

Petworth. Well, that's their game, (gets nearer 
to her) What's our game ? 

Lady Marjorie. (to him) Our game is to 
spoil their game ; when you and I were introduced 
to each other it wasn't — on my side — a case of love 
at first sight. 

Petworth. Same here. 

(She looks at him.) 

Lady Marjorie. Your new way of doing your 
hair has partly changed my feelings, but m / affections 
are well in hand. 



Act II.] THE BEAR LEADERS. 59 

Petworth. Same here. 

Lady Marjorie. Still, it seems a pity to waste 
the chance of a general kick up ; and so, Edward 
dearest, on Thursday evening I will give you six, or 
possibly seven dances. 

Petworth. Make it seven. 

Lady Marjorie. And we can sit out the rest ; 
I think that ought to make things comfortable ; 
it's very sporting' of me, because I can see, by the 
look of you, you can't dance for nuts. 

Petworth. In our parties at home I was con- 
sidered rather a dab at it. 

Lady Marjorie. (loohs at him, gets up) Well, 

get iip and let's try. 'Now then, don't tread on my 

feet and don't fall over your own. (they wiltz ovsr 

to l.c.) Not bad ; let yourself go a little more. 

(they dance up c. rather more vigorously) 

(Molyneux enters from up l. arid surveys them ivith 
horror.) 

Molyneux. What the devil is the meaning of 
this ? (follows them down r.c. round a little) Release 
him. (touches her) Unhand (touches him) her at 
once ; you're turning my drawing-room into H imp- 
stead Heath on a Bank Holiday. 

(They ultimately stop dancing. Molyneux turns her 
round. Lady Marjorie twists and sits on settee l.) 

.(to Lady Marjorie) Retire — ah — to your room. 
Lady Marjorie. Shan't. 



60 THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act II. 

Byles enters up l. Molyneux turns to Petworth, 

who is c.) 

Byles. Mr. Beckton. 

(Beckton comes in.) 

Molyneux. Oh, damn ! (turns up.) My dear 
Beckton. How are you ? 

(They shake hands.) 

Beckton. Fairly ^so-so.^ (turns, looks at Mirjorie.) 
Molyneux pulls him across himself sayinq, "Edward", 
Oh yes, there he is. (nods and crosses to Petworth, 
looks him up and down, shakes hands with Petworth. 
Molyneux turns to Marjorie, .motions to her.) 

Molyneux. Yes, what do you think of him? 

Beckton. (turns to Molyneux, who turns to him) 
Quite good; he's coming on nicaly. (turns, looks at 
Marjorie again) Who's the young lady ? 

Molyneux. (taking him a little aside and speaking 
confidentially) She's a poor afflicted girl — very 
eccentric — and unmanageable ; we're looking after 
her from kindly motives. 

Beckton. I follow. 

(Molyneux goes rapidly to Lady Marjorie.) 

Molyneux. Now, will you go to your room like a 
lady? 

Lady Marjorie. Who is that man? What 
were you muttering to him just now ? 

Molyneux. (to her) I suppose I can mutter to a 



Act II.] THE BEAR LEADERS. 61 

friend in my own house, (she holes l.) T don' 
wish to employ force (taking her by the R. arm), butt 



Lady Marjorie. (rises, fulling atvmj from him) 
Don't touch me ! How dare you take hold of my 
arm ! 

Beckton. (looking round) Hullo ! 

(Molyneux turns and winks at him and touches his 
forehead with his finger.) 

Molyneux. Obey me at once. 

Lady Marjorie. I shan't ! I shan't ! I shan't ! 
(throws him off, turns to Mrs. Molyneux, her mice 
rises to a crescendo) 

(Mrs. Molyneux comes in from down l.) 

Mrs. Molyneux. What's the matter ? 

Molyneux. The matter is 

Lady Marjorie. The matter is — that Mr. Moly- 
neux tried to kiss me. 

(Molyneux is overwhelmed.) 

Mrs. Molyneux. Did he ? 

Molyneux. My dear, she's an unblushing liar. 

Lady Marjorie. He tried to kiss me. 

Mrs. Molyneux. Well, I daresay you deserved it. 

(Beckton goes up to back of settee r. with Pet worth. 
Molyneux crosses up to Beckton from l. of settee 
r. Mrs. Molyneux crosses below Marjorie to c, 
turns to Marjorie from up r. of her.) 



62 THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act II. 

It's rather convenient because if you behave badly wa 
shall know what to do. Now you run along to your 
room, (taking her up, is now on Marjorie's r.) 

Lady Marjorie. Because you tell me to ? 

Mrs. Molyneux. No, because I ask you to. 

Lady Marjorie. Oh, that isn't fair. All right ; 
I'll go. 

Mrs. Molyneux. There's a good child ; I'll 
send you up some tea. 

Lady Morjorie. (pausing, looks over her r. 
■shoulder) And cake ? 

(Molyneux crosses up to window up l. behind Mrs. 
Molyneux.) 

Mrs. Molyneux. And — cake— in mo deration. 

(Lady Marjorie goes off up l. Mrs. Molyneux 
strolls over to Beckton, they m?et c.) 

How are you, Horace ? 

(Petworth goes to fire.) 

Beckton. How are you, Mam ? Rather a 
jumpy girl — what ? 

Mrs. Molyneux. Yes, she is jumpy. 

Beckton. The Tuddenhams are a bit late. I 
thought I'd turn up arid introduce you. 

Mrs. Molyneux. Very good of you. 

Beckton. (to Petworth) Well, young fella, 
buck up, your best and brightest girl won't b3 long. 

(Molyneux has strolled up to the back and bzen hiking 



AotTL THE BEAR LEADERS. 03 

out of window ; he comes down hastily. Mrs. 
Molyneux goes up a little by r. of round fable up c.) 

Molyneux. A motor has just driven up, the 
Tuddenhams have arrived. Now, Edward, when 
they are announced I want you to advance eagerly 
with a pleasant smile of welcome — eh ? 

Mrs. Molyneux. Yes, that's not a bad notion. 

Beukton. First impressions go a long way. 

(Byles comzs in.) 
Molyneux. Now then — 

(Beckton pushes Petworth towards Molyneux, 
who passes him round to l.c. Slight pause.) 

Byles. Sir Kennedy Loonies. 

(Sir Kennedy Loomes enters, advances, and almost 
collides frith Petworth.) 

Molyneux. Bless my soul, this is — ah — horrible. 
(goes haslih/ to Petworth and swings him out of the 
way) Stand aside, Edward, you are always getting 
in the way. 

(Petworth goes aimlessly up r. Molyneux shakes 
hands with Sir Kennedy.) 

How do you do? I'm delighted to see you. (to 
Byles) Bring tea. 

Sir Kennedy, i am addressing Mr. Molyneux? 

Molyneux. You are. (Mrs. Molyneux comes 



04 THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act II. 

down a little). My dear, my dear, this is Sir Kennedy 
Loonies. 

(Mrs. Molyneux has advanced, Sir Kennedy bows 
gravely. ) 

Mrs. Molyneux. How are you ? 

Sir Kennedy. I have returned to England 
earlier than I expected ; I have been in corres- 
pondence with the Countess of 

Molyneux. (laughing loudly, crosses to Beckton) 
Ha, ha— yes, of course — exactly — that would be so. 

Mrs. Molyneux. Won't you sit down ? (indi- 
cates lounge l.) 

Sir Kennedy. Thank you. (sit together) 

(Molyneux goes over hastily to Beckton.) 

Beckton. Who is he ? 

Molyneux. A doctor — called to see that un- 
happy girl ; he's a great brain specialist, (tapping 
his forehead and winking) 

Beckton. Oh, that's it. 

Sir Kennedy. Lady Marjorie is at present stay- 
ing with you. 

Mrs. Molyneux. Yes, she is. 

Molyneux. (to Beckton) Excuse me a minute. 
(goes over to window up l. for a moment and stands 
by lounge) 

Sir Kennedy. Lady Grimsdal suggested that I 
should call. 

Mrs. Molyneux. Yes, and so far as that goes — here 
you are. 



Act II.} THE BEAR LEADERS. ffi 

>Sir Kennedy. That is so ; she acquainted you 
with my — hopes respecting Lady Marjorie ? 
Mrs. Molyneux. Yes. 

(Molyneux comes down a little towards back of settee l. 

Sir Kennedy. And I think there was an under- 
standing that you would try to — influence Lady 
Marjorie on my behalf. 

Mrs. Molyneux. We bring the conversation 
round to you whenever we can. 

Molyneux. {down to back of settee l.) We always 
speak of you in the highest terms, 

Sir Kennedy. Thank you, I suppose I shall enjoy 
the privilege of seeing Lady Marjorie this afternoon. 

Molyneux. Oh yes, of course you shall have the 
privilege, (cross back of settee to c.) 

Mrs. Molyneux. And I hope you'll enjoy it. 

Molyneux. She's in her room lying down. 
(Byles comes in.) 

Mrs. Molyneux. We hope she's lying down. 

Byles. Lady Tuddenham — Miss Tuddenham. 

Molyneux. My dear — the Tuddenhams. (goes 
up). 

(Mrs. Molyneux rises, as does Kennedy Loomes. 
Lady Tuddenham enters, followed by Miss Tud- 
denham.) 

(to Byles). For the love of heaven bring tea. (crosses 
at back of Mrs. Molyneux to r. of her.) 

(Byles turns, looks at c. round table, goes to it, picks 

E 



66 THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act II. 

up bowl of flowers, pushes memo tablet and photo- 
graph in frame to back of table, puts bowl on writing 
table up L. and exits up l. after the Tuddenhams 
are on.) 

Lady Tuddenham. 'Ow are you ? Mrs. Moly- 
neux, ain't it ? 
Mrs. Molyneux. Yes. 

{They shake hands.) 

Lady Tuddenham. I was sure it was. I've 
been 'oping to call ; but what with one thing and 
another — you know 'ow it is. 

Mrs. Molyneux. This is my husband. 

Lady Tuddenham. So glad to know yer. 

Molyneux. The rapture is mine. 

Lady Tuddenham. Let me present my daughter 
— Evadne. 

Molyneux. Ah ! 

Mrs. Molyneux. How are you ? {she bows to her) 

Lady Tuddenham. She favours 'er father, {step 
to Mrs. Molyneux hand on her arm). But she's a 
dear girl for all that. 

Molyneux. She's a radiant vision, [goes to 
Beckton) 

Lady Tuddenham. Kind of you to say so, I'm 
sure ; we've been 'aving 'er picture down for the 
Academy ; but she suffers a deal with influenza. 

Mrs. Molyneux. That's a bad job. 

Molyneux. Martvrdom ! 



Act II. | THE BEAR LEADERS. 67 

(During this Beckton has come down r. of settee r., 
but has failed to catch Lady Tuddenham's eye. 
Kennedy Loomes sits again settee l.) 

Mrs. Molyneux. Won't you sit down ? 

Lady Tuddenham. You're very obliging ; my 
feet swell so in 'ot weather, (turns and catches sight 
of Beckton). Lor, dear me, Mr. Becton, is 
that you ? 'Ow are you ? (they shake hands. Sits 
on settee r. l. of it) 

Beckton. Wonderful fit, thanks. 

Lady Tuddenham. You know Evadne. 

Beckton. How are you ? (shakes hands with her, 
Evadne crosses below her mother, sits on settee R. R. of 
her mother) You seemed to be going very strong, so 
I didn't cut in. How is Sir Francis ? 

Lady Tuddenham. 'E fusses over 'is 'ealth ; Vs 
so busy with 'is rest cure 'e 'ardly gets a moment to 
'imself. 

Mrs. Molyneux. (to Molyneux) Fetch Teddy- 

Molyneux. Certainly, (goes and brings Pet- 
worth firmly by the arm) 

Lady Tuddenha?/t. And — 'ow's the dear old 
Duke ? 

Beckton. (crosses up r. of settee r. to behind it) 
Gout- 

Lady Tuddenham. Gout ! ah, 'e 'as my sympathy. 
It's just the same with me ; all my troubles seem to 
fly to my feet. Of course, when one gets to the age 
of the Duke of Gallminster — 



68 THE BEAR LEADERS. [ActH. 

Molyneux. {laughs loudly) Yes — ha, ha— ex- 
actly — of course. Here is a young"' gentleman, Lady 
Tuddenham, who is dying (Bus. Petworth) to be pre- 
sented to you — and to your exquisite daughter. Mr. 
Edward Petworth. {pushes Petworth across himself) 

Lady Tuddenham {shakes Jmnds) 'Ow are yer, 
Mr. Petworth ? I'm very 'appy to know yer, and so 
is Evadne. Sit down and let's 'ave a cosy talk. 

Petworth. No room, {looks at Molyneux) 

Lady Tuddenham. What ? Oh yes, there's 'eaps 
of room, with a little give and take, (sits sulkily 
heUveen them) 

Mrs. Molyneux. (to Molyneux) Where's the 
tea ? 

Molyneux. I don't know, (everything going 
wrong) 

Mrs. Molyneux. Go and say something plausible 
to Loomes. 

Molyneux. Yes — confound him, I will, (crosses 
btlow her, goes over to Sir Kennedy) 

(Mrs. Molyneux joins Beckton, who has come round 
to back of lounge. Mrs. Molyneux, indicating 
group, goes up with Beckton a little.) 



Molyneux. I'm afraid we've been rather 
lecting yen, Sir Kennedy ; but we have accepted 
the charge of a poor young fellow of weak intellect. 

Sir Kennedy. The young man who is seated 
between those two ladies ? (looking in his direction) 

Molyneux. Yes. 



Act II.] THE BEAR LEADERS. G9 

Sir Kennedy, (rising apprehensibly) I hope he 
is not violent or dangerous ? 

Molyneux. (fulling Loomes down) Oh no, he's 
harmless ; we've been taking the straws out of his 
hair in a pure spirit of charity. 

Sir Kennedy. And the ladies, I suppose, are — — 

Molyneux. Friends from Devonshire (awfully 
pleased at his bright thought) ; they brought him a 
junket. 
(Petworth begins to edge away from Evadne towards 

Lady Tuddenham, who sits back in settee. Evadne, 

after a pause, follows him.) 

Sir Kennedy. You said I might hope for the plea- 
sure of seeing Lady Marjorie. 

(Byles brings on tea from up l.) 
Molyneux. Oh, certainly. Ah, here's the tea. 
(Molyneux and Mrs. Molyneux approach tea-table 
simultaneously from different sides,) 

(aside to her) Loomes is getting restless, we shall 
have to send for that little devil. 

(Byles enters with cakestand.) 

Mrs. Molyneux. That'll be all right — I'll look 
after her. (Molyneux takes stand from Byles — 
to Byles who is about to exit) Byles, go up to 
Lady Marjorie's room and ask her to come down, will 
you ? (pouring out tea) 

Molyneux. (with cakestand in his hand) And 
say that Sir Kennedy Loomes has called to see her, 



70 THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act II. 

(Byles goes off l.) 

(Molyneux turns, puts cakestand down by c. table l. 
of it.) 

Mrs. Molyneux. (still aside) 1 shouldn't have 
mentioned about Loonies ; it may stall her off. 

(Both ladies on settee r. lean over Pet worth, and talk 
to one another.) 

-» Molyneux. Surely it was too risky to let Loomes 
burst upon her. (during this Mrs. Molyneux is 
pouring out tea) 

(Beckton has strolled back to them.) 

Beckton. Now, man, shall I make myself useful ? 

Mrs. Molyneux. Thank you, Horace, (gives 
him two cups ; Molyneux picks up cake and bread 
and, butter from, stand) 

Molyneux. And now the cake — Edward — (Pet- 
worth jumps up) Edward — cake. 

(Petworth jumps up eagerly and nearly collides with 
Beckton.) 

Beckton. (backs up stage a step, Petworth is on 
his r.) My dear young fella, take care where you're 
coming to. 

Molyneux. That's zeal — enthusiasm, (gives Pet- 
worth plate of cake, and retains himself the bread and 
butter) 

Beckton. (has crossed below Petworth, who goes 
to Molyneux) There you are, Lady Tuddenham. 



Act II. ] THE BEAR LEADERS. 71 

Lady Tuddenham. You're very obliging, Mr. 
Beckton. 

(Beckton also hands lea to Evadne. Petworth and 
Molyneux are hovering at the hack of him). 

Molyneux. Now then, Edward, dash right in. 

Lady Tuddenham. Might I ask for the leastest 
drop of milk ? 

Molyneux. Milk ? Certainly, (all three men 
ivalk in single file back to Mrs. Molyneux) My dear, 
milk for Lady Tuddenham. 

Mrs. Molyneux. There you are. (giving him 
milk jug) 

Beckton. The sugar basin might come in handy. 

Molyneux. That is a timely thought. (Beckton 
gets sugar). Edward, why don't you push the cake. 
(Petworth goes over to the Tuddenhams — followed by 

Beckton and Molyneux carrying respectively milk 

and sugar. Beckton and Molyneux look approv- 
ingly at Petworth.) 

Lady Tuddenham. (to Petworth) You're very 
obliging, Mr. Petworth — quite the ladies' man. (Bus. 
with milk and sugar) 
(Lady Tuddenham takes cake ; Petworth passes on 

to Evadne. Evadne refuses cake ; Petworth 

crosses round bottom of settee ~R.,gets up to tea-table. 

deposits cake on table after Mrs. Molyneux has 

left, helps himself to tea.) 

Beckton. (to Molyneux, who is on his r.) Shall 
X take the doctor a cup ? 



72 THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act II. 

Molyneux. Oh no, I'm not sure that he approves 
of tea. 

Mrs. Molyneux. (goes over to Sir Kennedy, 
taking a cup of tea with her) Do you play about with 
tea, Sir Kennedy ? 

Sir Kennedy. Tea is soothing but deleterious. 
(Beckton takes milk jug from Molyneux.) 

Mrs. Molyneux. Most pleasant things are ; (sits) 
there's milk and sugar in the offing. Stanhope ! 

Molyneux. (crosses Beckton to Mrs. Molyneux) 
Yes, my dear. 

Mrs. Molyneux. Milk and sugar this way. 

Molyneux. Certainly. 

(During this Pet worth has strolled over to tea-tahl&, 
and is helping himself to tea. Molyneux is embar- 
rassed with bread and butter; he turns up, sees 
Petworth) 
Edward, what are you doing ? Offer the bread and 
butter to Miss Tuddenham. (Petworth goes 
down to r. of Mm) She's just the right age to appre- 
ciate it. 
Mrs. Molyneux. Stanhope ! 

(Petworth crosses behind sofa.) 
Molyneux. I'm coming, dear, (crosses to Beck- 
ton) 

Beckton. (turns to Molyneux) Shall I take it 
over ? 

Molyneux. On no account, (takes milk and 
sugar from him and conveys them to Sir Kennedy.) 



Act II.] THE BEAR LEADERS. 73 

(Beckton goes up to back of settee r., talks to Lady 

TuDDENHAM.) 

Mrs. Molyneux. {taking milk jug) Milk? 
Sir Kennedy. A small quantity. 

Mrs. Molyneux. Sugar ? 
Sir Kennedy. One lump. 

(Byles has come in, and comes down between Moly- 
neux and the settee.) 

Molyneux. Ah, Byles — where is Lady Marjorie ? 
(with jug and sugar basin in his hand) 

Byles. Her ladyship's door was locked, so I 
shouted your wishes through the keyhole. 

Molyneux. And what happened then ? 

Byles. Her ladyship opened the door about two 
inches and said — shan't — anything more, sir ? 

Molyneux. Not at present, {puts milk and sugar 
on table) 

(Byles goes oat.) 

(Molyneux comes down r. of Mrs. Molyneux) Well 
now, then, what's to be done ? 

Mrs. Molyneux. (rising) I'll see to her. (they 
go up together towards tea-table) 

Molyneux. You heard what Byles said. 

Mrs. Molyneux. Yes, but the difference is that 
I'm not Byles. (she strolls off up l.) 
(Molyneux sits by Sir Kennedy. Beckton motions 
to Petworth, brings him to back to settee.) 

Sir Kennedy. Lady Marjorie was made aware 
of the fact that I had called to see her ? 



74 THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act II. 

Molyneux. Oh, yes, but she's coy. 

Sir Kennedy. Coy ? 

Molyneux. Coy ; we alluded to you at luncheon 
the other day and she at once overturned a decanter 
of claret into my soup plate — some girls are like that, 
you know. 

{During this Petworth has several times tried to get 
away from the Tuddenhams, but has been brought 
bach by Beckton.) 

Another cup of tea ? 

Sir Kennedy. No, thank you. 

Molyneux. Allow me. {takes empty cup and puts 
it down on table) 

Lady Tuddenham. (to Beckton) 1 suppose we 
shall meet on Thursday evening, Mr. Beckton. 

Beckton. Yes, I'm hopin' to have the pleasure. 

(Molyneux strolls towards them.) 

Lady Tuddenham. Will the dear Duke be present ? 
{hands her cup to Beckton ; he passes it to Petworth, 
who goes up with it to tea-table, meets Molyneux, who 
pats him on the back) 

Beckton. The dear Dook will have his usual 
Benger and go to bed at his usual time — in his usual 
temper. 

(Molyneux clears his throat, comes down l. of Lady 
Tuddenham.) 

Lady Tuddenham. Oh well, dances are more for 
young people, aren't they ? Not but what I love a 



Act II.] THE BEAR LEADERS. 75 

ball myself. I was just saying, Mr. Molyneux, we're 
quite looking forward to Thursday. 

Molyneux. You're speaking of our little frisk ? 
(sits on chair l. of settee) Yes, we like to make young 
people happy. Edward, take Miss Tuddenbam's cup. 

(Petworth comes down R. of settee r., tafa Evadne's 
cup, goes back again to tea-table.) 

Lady Tuddenham. I've been 'opin' to 'ave a 
little chat with Mrs. Molyneux. 

Molyneux. She has been longing for the chance ; 
she's gone to fetch an afflicted protegee— her medical 
man is over there. 

Lady Tuddenham. Oh, dear, that's very sad. 

Molyneux. Simply heart-rending. 

(Mrs. Molyneux returns, followed by Lady Marjorie, 
who looks very vicious. Loomes rises.) 

Mrs. Molyneux. Here we are. (to Molyneux, 
who rises) 

Molyneux. Are we going to behave ourselves ? 
Mrs. Molyneux. As to that I wouldn't swear. 

(Sir Kennedy has risen.) 
Marjorie, here's Sir Kennedy Loomes. 

Lady Marjorie. I see him. 

Sir Kennedy, (bowing, goes step towards her). 
Good afternoon, Lady Marjorie. 

(Lady Marjorie subsides into a deep curtsey. Sir 
Kennedy holds out his hand. Lady Marjorie 
ignores it. Sir Kennedy turns to audience abashed.) 



76 THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act II. 

Lady Marjorie. (to Mrs. Molyneux) Are those 
the silly old Tuddenhams ? 

Molyneux. Ha, ha ! I think we're going to 
have a change in the weather. 

Lady Molyneux. I want to know the Tudden- 
hams. 

Mrs. Molyneux. You're not going to know the 
Tuddenhams. (pushes her towards the settee l.) 
You're going to sit down there by Sir Kennedy and 
go slow. 

(Lady Marjorie looks at her for a moment, and then 
sits.) 

(To Molyneux.) There isn't any china within 
reach, so we ought to be all right. 

(Sir Kennedy sits by her ; Mrs. Molyneux crosses 
over to the Tuddenhams. Petworth goes up to 
table, she sits on occasional chair.) 

Sorry I was obliged to let you run loose, but my young 
friend requires a little gentle guidance at times. 

Lady Tuddenham. Yes, so Mr. Molyneux was 
telling me — so sad. 

•(Bus. for Molyneux, who goes close up to Lady 
Marjorie, fist up to her.) 

Mrs. Molyneux. We manage to bear up. 

(Bus. Marjorie looks at Loomes from toe of boot to top 
of his head.) 

Lady Tuddenham. Of course we can feel for you 



Act II.] THE BEAR LEADERS. 77 

because Sir Francis 'as a sister-in-law 'oos wrong in 
'er 'ead. 

Mrs. Molyneux. Keally ! 

Lady Tuddenham. She swallows packets of pins ; 
now isn't that an odd fancy ? 

(Beckton and Molyneux go up to fire.) 

Mrs. Molyneux. It does seem rather a singular 
diet. (Loomes tries to speak) 

Lady Tuddenham. She swallows packet after 
packet, and they work their way out of 'er in every 
direction. 

(During this Petworth Juis gone up, meanwhile 
Molyneux has been keeping his eye anxiously on 
Lady Marjorie.) 

Mrs. Molyneux. It must keep her busy. 
Lady Tuddenham. Oh, it does, she 'ardly ever 
'as a dull moment. 

(Lady Tuddenham talks to Mrs. Molyneux con- 
fidentially. Mrs. Molyneux brings her chair down 
a little and masks Lady Tuddenham from Loomes 
and Marjorie.) 

Lady Marjorie. Why don't you talk. 
Sir Kennedy. I beg pardon ? 
Lady Marjorie. Don't you ever talk ? 
Sir Kennedy. I was mentally endeavouring to 
select an entertaining topic. 
Lady Marjorie. All right ; go ahead. 



78 THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act II. 

Sir Kennedy. I — I saw your dear Grandmamma 
yesterday. 

Lady Marjorie. That's no good. 

Sir Kennedy. No good ? 

Lady Marjorie. No earthly. I don't like your 
conversation. I shall go and have a chat with Teddy- 
kins, (rises) 

Sir Kennedy'. Teddykins ? 

(During this Molyneux has gone over to the group. 
Lady Marjorie goes up and joins Petworth. 
See that Mrs. Molyneux gets well down with Tud- 
denhams. Beckton calls her.) 

Lady Tuddenham. Well now, I'm afraid we must 
be making a move, (she and Evadne rise) 
Mrs. Molyneux. Don't hurry away. 

(Marjorie crosses above Petworth, gets r. of him.) 

Lady Tuddenham. You're very obliging. I 'ope 
you'll excuse this short visit. 

Molyneux. Much too short — absolutely tan- 
talizing. 

Lady Tuddenham. We've other calls to make — 
(confidentially) and between you and me there's the 
dressmaker and what not ; you know 'ow it is. 

(Molyneux goes towards Mrs. Molyneux, Beckton 
goes towards Tuddenhams below settee R.) 

Mrs. Molynel^x. Then it's good-bye for the 
present, (shaking hands) 



Act II. | THE BEAR LEADERS. 70 

Molyneux. (goes over to l.c. back of .settee l.) 
Where is Edward ? He'll see you down. 

(Tuddenham group get a little more r. together ivith 
Mrs. Molyneux. Sir Kennedy has risen.) 

Sir Kennedy. I fear I must be going. 

Molyneux. (from up R.c, comes down to him from 
r. of settee l.) What ? I thought you were busy ; 
where the devil is Lady Marjorie ? 

Sir Kennedy. She appears to be occupied. I 
find herattitude a little difficult to understand. 

Molyneux. My good sir, as I said before, she's 
infernally coy. (glances round and realizes the 
situation, aside to Mrs. Molyneux) My dear, look 
at them. 

(He and Mrs. Molyneux go up. Fie takes Petworth 
-firmly by the arm and leads him down to the Tud- 
denhams. Mrs. Molyneux (guides Lady Mar- 
jorie to Sir Kennedy.) 

Come and make your adieus at once to Lady Tudden- 
ham, like a gentleman. 

Mrs. Molyneux. (to Lady Marjorie) Sir 
Kennedy wants to say good-bye to you. 
Lady Marjorie. I'm glad to hear it. 

(Molyneux looks indignantly at Petworth for a 
moment, then crosses behind Mrs. Molyneux, who 
goes down a little with Lady Marjorie. Molyneux 
goes over to bell below opening up l., rings bell. A 
moment later Byles enters up l. talks to Molyneux 



80 THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act II. 

up l. when Molyneux leaves Petworth, he crosses 

up to window up r.) 

Sir Kennedy. Our interview has been somewhat 
abbreviated, Lady Marjorie. I shall hope for a more 
extended opportunity on Thursday evening. 

Lady Marjorie. (a blow for Lady Marjorie 
and she shows it) Are you coming on Thursday? 

Sir Kennedy. I have every intention of doing 
so ; till then good-bye. 

Lady Marjorie. Be careful not to get run over ; 
you're not so young as you used to be. 

Sir Kennedy. Not so young as I used to be ? 

Lady Marjorie. Not nearly. Good-bye. (she 
gives him two fingers, he bows over them, then crosses her 
on her r. and goes up with Mrs. Molyneux. Lady 
Marjorie throws herself lightly on to the settee l.) 

Mrs. Molyneux. (to Sir Kennedy) It's only 
her fun. 

(Byles exits up l.) 

(Molyneux turns to Mrs. Molyneux and Loomes.) 
Sir Kennedy. I am prepared to make every kind 

of allowance for Lady Marjorie. 
Mrs. Molyneux. Her grandmother will probably 

see that you do. Good-bye. 
Sir Kennedy. Good-bye. 

(He goes after shaking hands with Molyneux, who is on 
her l. up l. There is a little burst of laughter from 
the Tuddenham group.) 

Lady Tuddenham. (hitting Beckton with her 



Act II. J THE BEAR LEADERS. 8] 

.fan) Oh, Mr. Beckton, you will 'ave your joke. I 
shall 'ave to tell the Duke of you. 

(During this Mrs. Molyneux has strolled towards 
them. Lady Tuddenham crosses below Mrs. 
Molyneux, who is now up c. followed by Evadne.) 

Come along, Evadne — you know what Minchett is 
like if Vs kept waiting, (moving c.) 

(Evadne crosses Mrs. Molyneux, then crosses behind 
Lady Tuddenham to above her.) 

Molyneux. (comes down l. of her) Minchett 
is — er ? 

Lady Tuddenham. Our chauffeur- -Vs very 
"asty tempered — and if Vs crossed 'e always bursts a 
tyre ; it seems to relieve 'is 'ead. (turns from l. of 
Mrs. Molyneux ; goes to her) Good-bye, Mrs. 
Molyneux — so very 'appy to 'ave met you. (shaking 
hands) 

(Evadne shakes hands with Molyneux, then crosses 
above him and exits up L.) 

Mrs. Molyneux. Good-bye. 

Beckton. (from below settee r.) J 'II see you down, 
Lady Tuddenham. 

Lady Tuddenham. You're very obliging, Mr. 
Beckton. 

Molyneux. We'll all see you down. 

Lady Tuddenham. Oh no — (crosses below him to 
opening up l.) I wouldn't like you to trouble if it 
was ever so. 



82 THE BEAU LEADERS. [Act IT. 

Molyne i .. (is now to the r. of Lady Tudden- 
ham) Then we'll wave to you from the balcony. 
Good-bye. 

(The TUDDENHAMS (JO Out.) 

(Petwortu hg§ come down, R. of settee n.,now comes 
below it and learns against l. arm of settee R. facing 
audience.) 
Beckton. {following) So long, mam, so long, 

Molly. 

(He goes up l. out.) 

(Molyneux goes on to balcony and waves his hand- 
kerchief. Mrs. Molyneux is also up by the window. 
Pet worth is standing c. Lady Marjorie rises 

and goes to him, looks at window.) 

Lady Marjorie. Are you disengaged for the next 
dance. Mr. Petworfch ? 
Petwortk. I am. 

(They waltz.. Mrs. Molyneux turns and realizes 
the state of affairs.) 

Mrs. Molyneux. Stanhope ! 
Molyneux. Yes, dear, (coming away from 
balcony) 

Mrs. Molyneux. How does that strike you ? 
Molyneux, Good heavens ! 

(Mrs. Molyneux crosses down to front of settee l. 
Molyneux crosses first in front of Mrs. Molyneux 
to down r. 



Act THE BEAR LEADERS. $3 

They're doing it again. Release one another at once. 
(follawing litem up as before) 

(Lady Marjorie leaves Petworth and waltzes round 
by herself till she faces Mrs. Molyneux. She 

stops in front of her. Petworth flings himself on 
to suttee R. Molyneux sits on chair l. of settee r. 
mo])pi>>i/ his brow, out of breath.) 

Lady Marjorie. Well. Mrs. Molly ? 

Mrs. Molyneux. Well, you little rascal — feeling 
pleased with yourself ? 

Lady Marjorie. I think so. 

Mrs. Molyneux. That's all right. But you're 
in a minority, (sits R. end of settee l.) 

Lady Marjorie. (step towards head of settee l. 
to Mrs. Molyneux) Yes, I know I'm not popular ; 
but I might be worse, (turns, looks at Petworth) 
I might bo Evadne Tuddenham. 

Petworth. {rises) Oh Lord ! (step to c.) 
Evadne Tuddenham ! 

Molyneux. (jumps to Petworth) Evadne Tud- 
denham is a charming modest floweret ; (turns to her) 
she is -content to blush unseen. 

Lady Marjorie. If I looked like that 1 should be 
content to blush unseen — 

(Petworth comes towards' c.) 

and — [goes to hiyn) what price Ma Tuddenham? 

(ace i to Mrs. Molyneux, her arms crossed) " 'Appy 
to 'ave met you, Mrs. Molyneux." 



84 THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act II. 

Molyneux. Bah ! 

Lady Marjorie. ' ' Very 'appy to 'ave met you — : — " 

Molyneux. Hold your saucy tongue. 

Lady Marjorie. (turns round to Molyneux) 
" You're very obliging, Mr. Molyneux." (to Pet- 
worth) Teddy, I wish you luck with your Ma-in- 
law. 

Petworth. (step to her) If it comes to that I 
wish you luck with old Loonies. 

Molyneux. This is most unseemly. 

Lady Marjorie. What do you mention that 
dreary old beast for ? 

Molyneux. Dreary old beast ! 

Lady Marjorie. Do you want to spoil my dinner ? 

Petworth. What did you throw Mother Tud- 
denham and her blessed Evadne at my head fbr ? 
(They are now very close to one another, face to face) 
I'm off my feed as it is. 

(Molyneux comes down between them, separates them ; 
they glare at him.) 
Molyneux. I have nothing to say to you, Ed- 
ward, but as for your dinner, you will have a small 
portion of boiled mutton in your own apartment. 

(Both turn away in disgust. Petworth goes, throws 
himself in settee R., the r. end of it.) 
Lady Marjorie. (turns on Molyneux quickly) 
Then you're swindling, Grandmamma ; 1 was to 
have had three meat meals a day — and boiled mutton 
isn't, properly speaking, a meat meal at all. 



AcTir.] THE BEAR LEADERvS. 85 

Mrs. Molyneux. Quiet. 

(Molyxeux goes up to fire.) 

Lady Marjorie. {turning to her) What ? 

Mrs. Molyneux (rises) Quiet — after your exer- 
tions you must be feeling a little tired — I think I'd 
go upstairs and lie down. 

Lady Marjorie. Well, but 

Mrs. Molyneux. Come along. 

(Mrs. Molyneux crosses up stage c.) 

Lady Marjorie. (follows- Mrs. Molyneux, gets 
up l. of her towards opening up L.) All right ; I'll go 
quietly, (turns to Mrs. Molyneux up l. from l. of 
her) If you'll answer me one question. 

Mrs. Molyneux. What is it ? 
/Molyneux comes down to back of settee r. shakes 
Petworth.) 

Lady Marjorie. Why did you marry Mr. Molly ? 

Mrs. Molyneux. (smiling) It would take too 
long to explain. 

(Lady Marjorie smiles at her and goes off up l.) 

Petworth. (to audience) Evadne Tuddenham ! 
(turns on settee abruptly to Molyneux) Would you 
care to take her on yourself ? 

(Mrs. Molyneux comes down c.) 

Molyneux. That is an absurd question. I have 
been happily married for twenty years, (goes up to; 
tea-table up c, preceeds to eat cake) 



So THE BEAR LEADERS. ,- II. 

Mrs. Molyneux. What's the matter ? 
Petworth. Evadne. (rises, stands front of settee 

R.) 

Mrs. Molyneux. (crosses to him, is l. of him) 
Wait till you see more of her. You'll see more of her 
on Thursday ;'she won't be wearing that hat. 

Petworth. I don't want to see more of her. 

Mrs. Molyneux. (hand on his shoulder) Look 
here, old chap, it's our job to bring a particular sample 
under your notice ; if it doesn't lead to business, 
that's up to you — anyway, Evadne may be your 
misfortune — but she isn't our fault. 

Petworth. Righto, old dear, I'll go and have a 
cigarette and think her over. 

Mrs. Molyneux. Do ! 

(Petworth goes off down r.) 

(goes a little to c, turning to Molyneux) What have 
you been up to ? 

Molyneux . W nat do you mean, dear ? (small 
piece of cake in hand comes down to l. of her> wipes 
fingers with handkerchief. 

Mrs. Molyneux. Those two rascals wouldn't be 
waltzing together for nothing ; you've mucked it. 

Molyneux. Well now, as it happens, you're 
exceptionally wrong. I casually pointed out to each 
of them the glaring imperfections of both. 

Mrs. Molyneux. That's done it. You've tried 
to make these two children sick of each other, and 
the only result is that they are both sick of you. 



Act II.] THE BEAR LEADERS. 87 

Molyneux. Well, dear, I'm very sorry, {goes 
up stage) 

Mrs. Molyneux. (crosses below iiirti td front of 
settee l.) I shall have to take things in hand as usual. 
(casually stops, turns to him from below settee l.) By 
the by, Madame Mescale hasn't called about the 
flowers. 

Molyneux. Perhaps she mistook the appointment 
I'll run round to the shop, (is about to go up, she stops 
him) 

Mrs. Molyneux. I daresay she'll turn up. (goes 
a step l.) I've made a list of what we shall want, 
but I'm not sure whether I left it upstairs. 

Molyneux. (down to her a little, is r. of her) ShaU 
I go and look for it ? 

Mrs. Molyneux. No, don't trouble ; it ought to 
be in the morning-room, I'll go and see. 
(She goes off l. door down l.) 

Molyneux. [goes down c. and kirns up as though 
going off up 1.) I think the Club would be a haven of 
refuge, (as he turns to go Byles Up l. comes in.) 

(Molyneux is shooting his arms out as he goes up.) 

Byles. Madame Mescale. 

(Madame Mescale comes in up l.) 

Molyneux. Oh, quite so. Mrs. Molyneux is 
occupied for the moment, (goes up towards Byles) 
Won't you sit down ? 

(Mescale has crossed to chair r., of settee R., now sits 



88 THE BEAR LEADERS- [Act IF. 

Thanks.' 1 ^Byles' exit Molyneux, 

having watched him off, comes rapidly back to Jj. of her 

and then speaks.) 

(Byi.es goes out.) 

Molyneux. What the devil are you doing here ? 
•'Madame Mescale. What the devil is that to 
you ? Your Wife sent for me to talk business, and 
I've come to talk it, I'm a business woman. 

Molyneux. I'm quite aware of it. Edward Pet- 
worth is quite aware of it ; he's staying with us. 

Madame Mescale. I know he is. 

Molyneux. He has confided in me 

Madame Mescale. More fool Edward Petworth. 

Molyneux. He will repudiate his acquaintance 
with you. 

Madame Mescale. He can't; I've kept his 
letters. 

Molyneux. I shall interfere on his behalf. 

Madame Mescale. Yon cant ; I've kept yours- 

Molyneux. You're a— — 

(Both their heads together, voices raised.) 

Madame Mescale. What ? 

Molyneux. A good woman of business. 

Madame Mescale. I've just been saying so. 

Mrs. Molyneux. (comes in from down l. speaking 
as she enters.) I can't find that list, (seeing Madame 
Mescale, pauses.) 

Molyneux. (turns to her hack up stage a little.) 
My dear, this is 



Act II.] THE BEAR LEADERS. 89 

Madame Mescale. (rises.) I am Madame Mes- 
cale ; you sent for me about some floral decorations 
for Thursday evening. 

Mrs. Molyneux. Yes, I did. Have you been talk- 
ing the matter over with Mr. Molyneux ? I thought I 
heard what sounded like an animated discussion. 

Molyneux. (hastily) Yes, dear ; I just broke the 
ice for you. It seemed to me that Madame Mescale's 
charges were a little exorbitant. 

Madame Mescale. That's a matter of opinion. 
(turning to Mrs. Molyneux) What would be the 
extent of the order, madam? 

Mrs. Molyneux. I can't say off hand. I fancy I 
must have left that list upstairs. Stanhope, will you 
go to my room and see if you can find it ? 

Molyneux. Certainly, dear, (going up c. pauses) 
Of course when I said exorbitant I forgot what a bad 
year it has been for flowers — and — er 

Mrs. Molyneux. Never mind that, (sits on settee 
l.r. end of it) Go and find the list. 

Molyneux. Yes, dear. 

(He goes out up l.) 

Mrs. Molyneux. Sit down, Madame Mescale. 
(Madame Mescale sits on chair l. of settee r.) 
I could give you a general idea of what we shall 
want. 

Madame Mescale. (taking out notebook) I sup- 
pose you'd like palms in the hall ? 

Mrs. Molyneux. Yes — and some specially big 



90 THE BEAR LEADERS. | Act II. 

ones for the cosy corners in the landings ; we rriust give 
the sitting out couples a chance. 

Madame Mescale. (laughs and, mtikes a note) Ts 
it a reception or a dance ? 

Mrs. Molyneux. A dam v. 

Madame Mescale. You'd like a few cut flowers 
for the supper table, madam ? 

Mrs. Molyneux. I should like a lot. 

Madame Mescale. Will there be room ! 

Mrs. Molyneux. Plenty of room ; well see to that 

(Madame MescAle laughs again.) 

Could you give me a rough idea as to what the whole 
thing would cost ? 

Madame Mescale. A little difficult without exact 
details, madam. 

Mrs. Molyneux. Yes, I know ; that's where my 
list would have come in handy. I could have sworn I 
put it in my desk, (rises) If you'll wait half a 
minute I'll have one more look. 

Madame Mescale. I'm not in any hurry. 

Mrs. Molyneux. All right ; I'll be back directly 

(She goes. Madame Mescale makes notes. Pet- 
worth enters hastily from down B,.,goes up to ■mantel- 
piece up r. Petworth turns from above settee R.) 

Pet worth. Left my cigarette case. 

(Madame Mescale looks round.) 

Hullo, is that you ? 

Madame Mescale. Yes, my darling. 



Act II. ] THE BEAR LEADERS. . 91 

Petworth. (up to her r. of her, ah v i hi r) What 
did you come here for ? 

Madame Mescale. Business, but — hot yours. 

Petworth. Not mine ? 

Madame Mescale. Not for the moment, my 
darling; 

Petworth. You seem to be well provided with 
darlings — Molly's one of 'em — he told me so. 

Madame Mescale. Molly, luckily for him, is 
married, and so he's safe ; but you asked me to be 
your wife — and you put it in writing. Didn't you, 
darling ? 

(Molyneux comes in hastily from up l.) 

Petworth. Oh, hang ! 

Molyneux. {coming c.) I can't find the infernal 
list anywhere, {seeing the two crosses to l. of her) 
Edward, what are you doing here ? 

Madame Mescale. We were talking about you, 
dearest. 

Petworth. {steps to him) There ! Dearest ! 
That's what she calls you. 

(Molyneux steps to him over her.) 

Molyneux. For the very first time during our 
brief acquaintance. 

Madame Mescale. (her hand on his coatsleeve, to 
Petworth) Don't be jealous, Petworth. 

Petworth. {throws her hand off, angrily) Jealous ! 
As if I should be jealous. I like that — upon my soul I 
do. 



92 THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act II. 

Mrs. Molyneux. (comes in with list from down I*.) 
What's all the row about ? 

(A second's 'pause, Madame Mescale rises.) 

Petworth. I — I couldn't find my cigarette case. 
(lifts cushions from back of settee) 

Mrs. Molyneux. You're taking it very much to 
heart. 

Molyneux. Yes, [goes up to round table up c.) we 
were rather worried about it, (turns to her) and I 
haven't found the list, dear. 

Mrs. Molyneux. I've got it ; it was in my desk 
after all. 

Molyneux. (crosses behind settee l. to front of it) 
Oh, that's splendid, (wiping his forehead) 

Mrs. Molyneux. (crossing to Madame Mescale) 
There you are, Madame Mescale. Will you look it 
through and send me an estimate to-morrow morning ? 

Madame Mescale. (taking it) Certainly, Madam. 
Good afternoon, (crosses to bach) Good afternoon, 
gentlemen. 

Molyneux and Petworth. Good afternoon ! 

Mrs. Molyneux. Oh, Madame Mescale, I suppose 
you would send a competent somebody to keep an eye 
on things on Thursday night. 

Madame Mescale. I shall come myself. 
(Both men collapse on settee,) 

Mrs. Molyneux. That will be very satisfactory. 
Good afternoon ! 

(Exit Madame Mescale.) 

QUICK CURTAIN 



ACT III 

Scene. Corridor. Supper time. Before the rise of 
the curtain a large palm has been overturned. A plan 
of the scene will he found at the end of the play. 

(As the Curiam rises Lady and Gentleman dis " 
covered sitting on settee r. Lady and Gentleman 
(Mr. Dingle) on stairs l.c. Lady on stairs finishing 
eating an ice. The two couples are laughing, suddenly 
Lady on settee jumps up and says : "Oh dear, oh 
dear, this is our dance, I don't want to miss it." 
Her partner rises, crosses with her towards opening 
down l. Durocq enters from down l. with tray, steps 
heloiv opening, bows to couple as they exit and crosses in 
direction of ^opening down R. Lady on stairs hands 
ice plate to her partner, Dingle, who calls to Durocq . 
who is e.g., gives him plate. Durocq exits down r. 
Lady and Dingle go up towards conservatory up r. 
As lady passes palms that are banked up by R. side of 
steps she knocks one over. They go up to conserva- 
tory where they meet Molyneux, who comes on from 
up r. They stop.) 

Band playing waltz off stage at rise of Curtain. 

Molyneux. Ah, Dingle, doing nothing and in very 
charming company — not even supping. 



94 THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act III, 

Dingle. No, thanks ! Your supper room's a 
tight fit, old chap. 

Molyneux. Ah, well, perhaps you're right to let 
the first rush get over. 

(Couple exit through conservatory off l. at back.) 

(Molyneux comes to* foot of steps. Durocq crosses at 
back from r. to l. Laughter off up l. Molyneux 
comes, doivn and meets Mrs. Molyneux who has 
entered from stairs up l.) 

(Waltz dies down and stops little later.) 

Molyneux. Well, my dear, supper time gives one 
a momentary lull. 

Mrs. Molyneux. I looked into the supper room 
for a minute ; there didn't seem to be much of a lull. 
Apparently very few of our guests have lunched and 
none of them have dined. 

Molyneux. Yes ; it's a brutal way to treat a 
poor little bit of supper. 

(Mrs. Molyneux crosses below him towards settee r.) 

I say, my dear, I like that dress. 
Mrs. Molyneux. Do you think it's all right ? 

Molyneux. Oh yes, 1 like it. 

(Mrs. Molyneux sits on settee) 
And I don't grudge a penny — 

(Look from Mrs. Molyneux) 
the Duke and Dowager Countess will have to pay for 
it. Ah ! 



Act III.] THK BEAR LEADERS. 95 

Mrs. BIolyneux. Those rascally cubs have got 
right out of hand. 

Molyneux. Ah ! I know, dear, (step to her) 
They're always dancing together. I did get near 
them once, but the little devil 

Mrs. Molyneux. Which ? 

Molyneux. (step to her) Marjorie. She stamped 
carefully on my right foot, which at present is a corn- 
held, and then they whirled away again. 

Mrs. Molyneux. Oh, did they ? 

[Waltz stops.) 

(Beckton comes on from stairs up l., goes, up stairs r.c. 
Molyneux moves his foot.) 

Beckton. (coming off steps to c.) Sorry to bother 
you, mam ; but Lady Tuddenham is getting a bit 
restive. 

Molyneux. What does she want now ? 

(Beckton crosses to Mrs. Molyneux) 

Beckton. She wants Teddy Petworth to dance 
with Evadne — 

(Molyneux crosses behind Beckton to l.) 

which he hasn't done yet — failing that she wants 
her supper, and your supper room is a pandi-bally- 
monium. Failing both alternatives, she wants to 
sit down. 

(Molyneux crosses to little table above door down l., 
picks up programme.) 



96 THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act in. 

Mrs. Molyneux. Then why doesn't she ? 
Beckton. Where's she to do it ? In the centre of 
the ball room on the parquet ? 

(Molyneux with programme goes up stairs l. on to 
platform. Beckton crosses back to Mrs. Moly- 
neux. On the stairs) 

Molyneux. Well, Beckton, you might sit on the 
stairs and take her on your knee. 

Mrs. Molyneux. That's a good idea. You're a 
friend of the family, so you wouldn't be misunder- 
stood, {sees the palm which has fallen doum) Hullo ! 
this palm seems to have come to grief. 

(Byles has come on down l. with ball programmes on 
salver which he is about to put on table above door l.) 

Byles. (she rises) 

Byles. Yes, Madam. 

Mrs. Molyneux. Madame Mescale is somewhere 
about the place. 

Molyneux. My dear 

Mrs. Molyneux. Will you fetch her ? 

Byles. Shall I see to it, Madam ? 

(Molyneux crosses below Beckton to Mrs. Molyneux, 
looks at palm. Byles puts down salver and is about 
to exit.) 

Mrs. Molyneux. No ; Madame Mescale doesn't 
like her plants meddled with, {to Byles) Go and 
find her. 

(Byles goes off.) 



Act III.] THE' BEAR LEADERS. 97 

Come along, Horace ; we'll go and hunt up Lady 
Tuddenham. 

{Band starts again.) 

(Mrs. Molyneux and Beckton, arm in arm, go up 
stairs and offh., Mrs. Molyneux having crossed below 
Molyneux. At their exit Molyneux follows them 
to foot of stairs, then looks off door down l., then turns 
to go off into conservatory up r. He meets Loomes 
by settee r. Sir Kennedy Loomes has come on 
through conservatory.) 

Molyneux. (starting back) My dear Sir Loomery 
— I beg pardon — I mean Sir Kennedy — not dancing ? 

Sir Kennedy. No, Mr. Molyneux, I am not. 
(crosses down a little r.) Lady Marjorie promised me 
the tenth waltz ; but she has danced with nobody 
except the young gentleman of feeble mind. 

Molyneux. Ah, yes — poor Edward ! This ball is 
a little treat for him. We asked Lady Marjorie to 
pay him some attention. 

Sir Kennedy. She pays attention to no one else. 

(Gesture of determination from Molyneux.) 

Molyneux. Come back to the ball room— 

(Byles enters down l., followed by Madame Mescale. 
Loomes and Molyneux turn inwards to each other 
and go up stairs l. and are going off.) 

and I'll make her pay attention to me. 

(Byles points out palm to Mescale.) 

G 



98 THE BEAK LEADERS. [Act TIT. 

Madam M iscale. (to Byles) All right ; I'll see 
to it. (she crosses below stair) 

(Byles goes out down l.) 
(Molyneux is going.) 
Madame Mescale. Mr. Molyneux. {from r. of 
stairs) 

(He slops on platform with Loomes.) 
Molyneux. Er — what ? 

Madame Mescale. Could I speak to you for one 
moment ? 

Molyneux. Oh yes — I suppose so. (to Loomes) 
Go oo, Sir Kennedy, I'll join you. 

(Sir Kennedy, sad look, goes.) 
(xxmes down a few steps) I can't talk to you novj. 

Madame Mescale. No, but I can talk to you. 

Molyneux. [comes off steps to her, she takes his 
arm) Well. 

(The following to " Then I'll wish you good evening,'' 
quickly and confidentially) 

Madame Mescale. (going down stage r. a little) 
You've got the future Duke of Gallminster in tow 

Molyneux. What of it ? 

Madame Mescale. I've got his promise in writing 
to marry me. What price ought I to get for that ? 

Molyneux. I shudder to think. 

(Duroco enters down L., carrying tray of ites. He 
goes up stairs, as he is going up hears the voices and 



[II,] THE BEAR LEADERS. 90 

■ his ■-'''■. Turns when on 

tform, looks at them, gives a start when he sees 
Mo-'^' Its a momeM, then comes down c. of 

stairs towards them.) 

Madame Mescale. It'll be worth your while to 
back me up, so have a business proposal ready to- 
morrow morning. I shall be coming here to fetch my 
plants away. 

Molyneux. Anything further ? 

Madame Mescale. No. 

Molyneux. Then I'll wish you good evening. 
{turns and nearly collides with Durocq) Take care 
where you're coming ! 

"Durocq. I am here, my brave oF man. You see, I 
vatch, 1 hap of you. Yieux cochon ! 

Molyneux. What do you say? 

Durocq. You make your supper at de Savoy vid a 
Madame charmante — ah, mais charmante ! 

(She noes up stage and watches from exit.) 

••\ garcon dere — 'ow you say — I spot de both of 
you. La, la — vieux scelerat ! 

Molyneux. 1 don't understand French, but Vm 
certain you're saying something offensive. 

Durocq. Scelerat ! Imbecile — la. la ! 

Molyneux. What ? 

Durocq. La, la, la : 

Molyneux. If you make that last remark again 1 
shall report you to your employer, {with much 
dignity) Stand out of my way. 



100 THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act HI. 

(Durocq falls back slightly. Molyneux crosses him 
loftily and goes out.) 

Durocq. (going to Madame Mescale, s/ae is by r. 
post of stairs) And you — you, you — vot you say to 
me — hem ? 

Madame Mescale. I shall say something you 
won't like if you kick up that row. 

Durocq. You know I am mad for you — at de 
Savoy you make your supper wid dat old monkey — 
you dine wid a young monkey — I shall not rest tran- 
quil, (he crosses on to stairs as though to follow Moly- 
neux) 

Madame Mescale. (quickly) Don't be a fool ! 

Durocq. (back to her again) C'est ca — I am for 
you a fool — but take care vot you do — or I spill de 
soup — 

Madame Mescale. Anatole, (touches his face) 
I'm playing my game, and my game is your game. 
I'm working for something that might do us both a 
bit of good, but if you spill the soup — (crosses down c. 
a little) it won't be my fault and I shall leave you to 
wipe it up again. 

(He crosses up stage towards conservatory.) 

Durocq. I am jaloux, you see — jaloux — jaloux — 
jaloux ! 

(She crosses below him and then up to him, is now l. of 
him.) 

Madame Mescale. You'd better go back to the 



AotI] THE BEAR LEADERS. J01 

refreshment room and be jealous there. Somebody 
may come, and I can do without your company. 

(Mrs. Molyneux appears on the steps, unseen by 
Mescale . She is followed by Sir Kennedy Loomes. ) 

Burocq. (comes to her. She holds her hands over 
her ears, comes down a little) Are' you not my vife — T 
ask of you — my vife — my vife ? 

Madame Mesc ale. Shut up, you idiot ! 

Mrs. Molyneux. (turns to Loomes, who is on 
platform and up l. of her) Lady Marjorie doesn't 
seem to be here, (coming down steps) but we'l' 
stick to it. 

(She and Sir Kennedy come down steps.) 

Madame Mesc ale. There is somebody — get 

away. 

(Durocq moves aside muttering foreign anathema to up 
r. into conservatory. Mescale arranges plants.) 

Sir Kennedy. I'm distressed to take you from 
your guests, Mrs. Molyneux. 

Mrs. Molyneux. (below steps) It's a wrench, of 
course ; but I shall get over it. 

Madame Mescale. I've arranged the plants, 
Madam. 

(Loomes off the steps.) 

Mrs. Molyneux. (turns to her) Yes, I see you 
have ; thanks. 

(Madame Mescale retires up r. a little.) 



J 02 THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act III. 

Come along. Sir Kennedy — Lady Marjorie is a sharp 
needle in a big bundle of hay, but we'll find her. 

(Band stops) 
(Mrs. Molyneux crosses over to door down r., followed 

by Loomes. Mescale and Durocq watch them as 

they go out r. Mescale comes to below settee r. at 

their exit. Durocq comes down l. of Mescale level 

with her says " Lucie ! ") 

Madame Mescale. (turns to him) There, 
another moment and Mrs. Molyneux would have 
heard you call me your wife — and that's the last word 
I want you to sling about in this house. 

Durocq. Ah, Lucie, ma belle — I am si jaloux. 
(Lady Marjorie and Petworth come on above steps 
but not in sight yet.) 

Petworth. (at back) By George, I want a 
breather. 

Madame Mescale. Get away, I tell you; here's 
somebody else. 

(Durocq moves across l. aside, again muttering foreign 
anathema. Petworth and Lady Marjorie now in 
sight on top of steps.) 
Petworth. Has the dress come to special grief ? 

(Mescale again to her palm, then goes up tmmrds 
conservatory R.) 
Lady Marjorie. No, I think a couple of pins 

would see me through. 

Petworth. (comes down stairs, quickly foUowcdby 



ArTlII.j THE BEAK LEADERS. IQ3 

Lady Marjorie) Righto — I'll get one of the maids 
to fix you up. (crosses round towards conservatory) 
Here, I say, (speaking to Madame Mescale, who has 
Iter back to him ; she turns) Oh, by George ! I beg 
pardon- 

Madame Mescale. If the lady wants a pin, I've 
got my pincushion. (Mescale crosses, by R. of settee 
r. to below it) Let me see to it. 
(Lady Marjorie crosses below Petworth, who has 
backed down stage and sits on settee r.) 

Petworth. Oh — er — thanks — thanks awfully. 
(crosses round Lady Marjorie, wipes his forehead) 
Phew ! My throat is dry. 

(Durocq goes up stairs slowly, still muttering.) 
Waiter, bring that tray of yours here, 

(Durocq stops on stairs, comes down l. of Petworth 
towards him. Petworth takes a step, a$vay down 
stage from steps) 

I must drink lemonade if I'm drive-) to it. (turns to 

Durocq) 

(Durocq advances and suddenly recognizes him.) 

Durocq. Mon Dieu ! It is de young monkay !. 

Petworth. What's that ? Here, I want some 
lemonade. 

Durocq. Non — (moving the tray out of reach) I do 
not give to you limonade. 

Petworth. Well then, an ice. (handout for ice) 

Durocq. Non — (moves step down and away l.) 



104 THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act III. 

I 'ave limonade — I 'ave ice — strawberri et vanille— J 
give you noting — you see nosing at all — I go — I leave 
you wid de parch in your troat — la — la ! 

(He rushes off down l.) 

(During this Madame Mescale has knelt down and 
finned up Lady Marjorie' s dress. Pause. Pet- 
worth looks round at Lady Marjorie) 

Lady Marjorie. What's the matter with the 
waiter ? 

Petworth. L don't know ; the chap seems to 
have got hydrophobia or something, (crosses a little 
L., looking at door down l.) 

Lady Marjorie. I should have liked an ice. 

Petworth. So should I. 

Madame Mescale. (rising) I think that will hold 
now. (crosses below her to l. of her) 

Lady Marjorie. (rises) Oh yes, that's quite all 
right ; I'm much obliged, (crosses a little to her) 

Madame Mescale. Not at all ; a pin's a useful 
institution, (crosses below Petworth) Good even- 
ing. 

Lady Marjorie. Good evening, (she goes c, 
looking at dress.) 

(Madame Mescale, when she has crossed .Petworth 
and is at door down l., glances back at him.) 

Petworth (nervously) Good-evening. 

(Madame Mescale goes down l. Lady Marjorie 
strolls over to stairs and sits.) 



Act III. j THE BEAR LEADERS. LOS 

Lady Marjorie. (brightly) Teddy, you dance 
better than I feared. 

Petworth. (to her, is l. of her) Do I ? (he sits 
l. of her,, below her) (looks at her) Which is your 
favourite way of committing suicide ? 

Lady Marjorie. Well, I shouldn't choose one 
that would make a mess — what's the matter? 
Evadne ? 

Petworth. (to her) I tell you what it is. I'm 
jolly well damned if I'm going to marry Evadne ! 

Lady Marjorie. And I'm jolly well — (pause)— 
what you said just now — if I marry Loomes. 

Petworth. I think you're right, (looks away) \ 
couldn't stick him myself, (pause) 

Lady Marjorie. (thinking it out) 1 wonder how it 
would be — if we married each other. 

Petworth. What ? Well, do you know, a week 
ago I wouldn't have believed it ; but upon my soul I 
should like to marry you most awfully. 

Lady Marjorie. And what a heavenly dust up 
our marriage would cause ! 

Petworth. Yes ; (he grins) think of my great- 
uncle. 

Lady Marjorie. (topping each other) And my 
grandmother ! 

Petworth. And Evadne Tuddenham. 

Lady Marjorie. And Loomes. 

Petworth. And what price Molly ? 

Lady Marjorie. Molly! (pause) Teddy— we've 
got to do it ! 



100 THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act HE 

Petworth. (rising. Goes step down off steps) 
We will. 

(Petworth turns to her, bends over her, speaks half 
shyly r. foot up on steps, is still l. of her.) 

Petworth. I say, let's go into the conservatory, 
and clinch it among the palms. 

(She rises, gets off steps, he goes to her. They link 
arms as they cross r. They go into conservatory and 
off up l. at back) 

(Mrs. Molyneux and Sir Kennedy come on from 
down r.) 

Mrs. Molyneux. (crosses in front of settee r. to 
foot of steps) No good up to now, but we'll dig her 
out. 

Sir Kennedy, (goes up to back of settee r. by r. of 
it) I admit to feeling somewhat disheartened. 

Mrs. Molyneux. Oh, lord! (goes to Loomes) 

(Molyneux and Lady Tuddenham appear at top of 
steps.) 

Molyneux. Lady Tuddenham, I'm appalled that 
you've had no supper, (pointing to settee r.) 

Lady Tuddenham. (rather irritably) You're very 
obliging, Mr. Molyneux ; I'll come down slowly if you 
don't mind, because I think I mentioned — my feet 
are a trouble to me. 

Molyneux. Oh yes, you did. (Lady Tudden- 
ham comes slowly down) (Molyneux goes to Mrs. 



Act III.] THE BEAR LEADERS. 10t 

Molyneux. Aside to Mrs. Molyneux. My dear — 
Lady Tuddenham — talk to her for a minute, will you ? 
Mrs. Molyneux. (aside) Then you talk to 
Loonies' 

(Molyneux crosses behind Mrs. Molyneux to up.h. of 
Loomes.) 

Mrs. Molyneux. (crosses to Lady Tuddenham 
who has got down by this time) Lady Tuddenham, 
you'll find this a useful settee. 

Lady Tuddenham. Oh, thank you, Mrs. Moly- 
neux. (crosses Mrs. Molyneux to settee r., followed by 
Mrs. Molyneux) I shall be glad to sit down ; I'm 
not the woman I used to be. 

Mrs. Molyneux. (sits on settee r. end of it) Well, 
I'm sorry your second edition has had no supper. 

(During this Mrs. Molyneux has guided Lady Tud- 
denham on to the settee. Molyneux and Sir 
Kennedy have worked their way round at the back to 
l. Sir Kennedy complaining in dumb show.) 

Sir Kennedy, (facing audience) Thanks to my 
unsuccessful quest of Lady Marjorie I have not danced. 
I lay no stress "on the fact that I have not supped 
(faces Molyneux) 

Molyneux. (faces Loomes) Oh no, there's no- 
thing in that, (they are face to face) 

Sir Kennedy. But really, you know — really— 

Molyneux. Sir Kennedy — if she's to be found — 
(crosses to l.) we'll find her. (turns, faces steps) 



103 THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act III. 

Meanwhile, try what a cheery hearty rest on those'steps 
will do to brighten you up. 

(Sir Kennedy sits sadly on steps.) 

That's better, {moves away) 

Lady Tuddenham. T believe Mr. Beckton is 
looking after Evadne. 

Mrs. Molyneux. Horace is a kind chap. 

(Molyneux crosses below Loomes to the l. vf Mrs. 
Molyneux) 

Lady Tuddenham. Yes, but 'is Grace the Duke of 
Gallminster led me to expect that 'is great- nephew — 

young Mr. Petworth 

Mrs. Molyneux. Yes, 1 know. (Lady Tudden- 
ham turns away.) (to Molyneux) What's 
happened to Teddy ? 

.Molyneux. I'll find him — or perish. (Molyneux 
turns, nearly falls over Loomes' feet, gets on to steps) 

(Beckton has appeared with Evadne on his arm from, 
door down l.) 
Beckton. Oh, there you all are. (to Evadne) 

Later Evadne is conveyed to her mother, and sits by 
her.) 
Molyneux. (on the steps to Beckton) Did you 
invade the supper room ? 

(Mrs. Molyneux rises off settee) 
Beckton. (up to Molyneux) Not much, old 
chap. 



Act III.] THE BEAR LEADERS. 109 

(Crosses below steps, passes Evadne over to Mrs. 
Molyneux, who passes her over to settee r., where 
Evadne sits above her mother. Beckton for the 
moment remains on Mrs. Molyneux's l.) 

Miss Evadne fancied an ice, (passes Evadne over) 

so we had a dash at the refreshment room, but it was 

no blessed good. 

(Beckton exits in conservatory off up r.) 

Mrs. Molyneux. Perhaps you'd like an ice, Lady 
Tuddenham ? 

Lady Tuddenham. Well, I should, if convenient. 

Mrs. Molyneux. (to Molyneux, goes to r. of 
steps) ■ She'd like an ice — if convenient. 

Molyneux. It's not convenient — but — (on steps) 
if I could only lay hold of Byles 

(Durocq enters very hastily l. ; crosses the stage 
rapidly) 

Here, hi ! Bring those ices here — at once, (goes off 
steps to l. of Durocq) 

Durocq. (stops down r.c, turns) Non, I do not 
give you ices ; you go your way — I go my way — -you 
see ? I give you nosing, (tray down) nosing at all. 
(he holds tray high. Molyneux jumps for it unsuccess- 
fully. Durocq hurries off down r.) 

(Lady Tuddenham and Evadne's hopes are raised and 
then dashed to the ground when Molyneux fails to 
get an ice.) 
Molyneux. {turning) He's escaped me. (crosses 



] 10 THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act TIT. 

m\ 'dly up to &. o/Mrs. Molyneux; 4 o Mrs. Moly- 
neux) Did you notice that man ? 

Mrs. Molyneux. He seemed rather unresponsive. 

Molyneux. I think he must have had a go at 
Pastorelli's champagne 

(Molyneux goes up stage R. in despair, then to bach 
of settee r. Bus.) 
Mrs. Molyneux. If he has — serve hirn right. 
(goes over to Sir Kennedy) Well, Sir Kennedy. 

(He wakes with a palpable start.) 

I'm sorry. I'm afraid I disturbed you. 

Sir Kennedy. I must apologise ; I had an 
arduous day at the Board of Trade. 

(Lady Marjorie and Petworth come out from con- 
servatory from up l. and come down talking together.) 
(rises) Have you any tidings of Lady Marjorie ? 
Mrs. Molyneux. Not up to date. 

(Petworth and Lady Marjorie realize the position, 
and turn round to go back off r. Molyneux catches 
sight of them.) 

Molyneux. My dear ! The cubs ! 

(Molyneux and Mrs. Molyneux turn up.) 

Stop ! 

(The young people pause. Petworth and Marjorie 
turn round facing audience.) 
Mrs. Molyneux. Don't run away ; we've been 
looking for you. 



Act in.] THE BEAK LEADERS. 11! 

Lady Marjorie. gi : Mrs. Molynj 

Oh, have you ? We're sorry. 

Petworth. (goes to l. of Molyneux) Beastly 
sorry ! 

Mrs. Molyneux. Prove it. (she guides Lady 

Marjorie round to see Sir Kennedy, who has risen) 

(During this Molyneux has been expostulating in 
dumb shoir with Petworth.) 

Molyneux. Where the devil have you been ? 
You've got your tie all wrong, (puis it right. Swings 
him round) Go and dance with Evadne— and be 
damned to you ! 

[Mrs. Molyneux and Molyneux meet c.) 
Petworth. (putting on a glove) May I have the 
pleasure of dancing the next dance with you, Miss 
Tuddenham ? t've been looking forward to it all 
the evening. 

Lady Tuddenham. She'll be delighted, I'm sure. 
Now, Evadne, go and dance with Mr. future Gall- 
minster. 

(Evadne rise's. Lady Tuddenham arranges Evadne's 
dress.) 

I mean with Mr. Petworth 

(Petworth takes Evadne on his r. arm on to steps 
and off slowly.) 
Lady Marjorie. (to Sir Kennedy) Oh no, I'm . 
not eng 2 for the Lee, and if I were 1 
wouldn't let that stand in bhe way 



112 THE BEAR LEADERS. Act III. 

Sir Kennedy. I didn't realize the extent of my 
good fortune. Permit me. (offers his R. arm) 

(Band Forte) 

(Laughter off stage) 

(Petworth and Evadne have preceded them slightly. 
They follow up the steps and off tip l.) 

(Lady Tuddenham falls asleep on settee r.) 

Molyneux. (crosses below Mrs. Molyneux to 
l. of her below steps) There ! (they turn to audience) 
for once the children seem inclined to be good. 

Mrs. Molyneux. They're too good to be true- 
(goes over a little r. sees Lady Tuddenham asleep, 
returns to r. of steps) Lady Tuddenham is still 
supperless. 

Molyneux. Well, Beckfcon won't try it ; he's a 
paltry coward ! 

Mrs. Molyneux. How about you ? 

Molyneux. .Me ! (backs a little to c. of steps) 
If I were to go near the supper room I should be 
lynched, (goes up to steps) 

(Felgate is seen by Molyneux coining on by entrance 
up l. from ball room. Turns to Mrs. Molyneux) 

Here's that old bore, Felgate ! Did you send him a 
card ? 

(Felgate appears on top of stairs.) 
Mrs. Molyneux. No. 
Molyneux. (goes up on his R., shakes hands 



Act III.] THE BEAR LEADERS. 113 

warmly with him) My dear Felgate, how are you ? 
(they both come down steps together) You never 
answered our card of invitation. 

Felgate. As a matter of fact, it didn't reach me. 
I've been dining at the Mansion House, (crossing to 
Mrs. Molyneux) Good evening, Mrs. Molyneux ; 
I happened to pass your house on my way home and 
seeing the awning and bunting I knew some postal 
error must have occurred. 

Molyneux. (hardly concealing his irritation at 
Felgate's presence, still las he is here tries to get 
some news out of him) Well, any news from the 
search party at Lapworthy Park ? 

Felgate. Not as yet, but everything must have 
a beginning, (turning to Mrs. Molyneux) 

Mrs. Molyneux. Do you dance ? 

Felgate. Not of late years. 

Molyneux. I suppose you sup ? 

Felgate. (goes to Molyneux, 'is r. of him.) Well, 

yes, I do in moderation 

(Durocq comes on hastily from down R. and is crossing 
quickly.) 

Felgate. I may be old-fashioned. 
Molyneux. (to Felgate, pushing him aside) 
Excuse me. 

(Felgate goes up stage to Mrs. Molyneux, talks to 

her.) 
(intercepting Durocq) No, you don't. Give me an 
ice at once. I will have it. 

H 



114 THE BEAK LEADERS. [Act III. 

DuftOCQ. [has tried to get behind him, then hacking 
away from him and holdingjhis tray away from Moly- 
neux in both his hands) No, you will not 'ave no 
ice. Scelerat ! Imbecile ! 

(Felgate turns, sees ices within reach, takes ice and 
proceeds to eat it.) 

Molyneux. Put down that tray ; do you hear me ! 

(Durocq rushes down stage. They dodge one another. 
During this Felgate has taken ice from the tray, 
and resumes his dumb show conversation with Mrs. 

MOLYNEUX) 

Durocq. {rushes, tries to get below Molyneux, 
who gets in his way) I 'ear of you ; but (gelling fast 
Molyneux rushes, tries to get above Molyneux, who 
gets in his way by steps) I snap de finger — 1 give you 
nosing, {rushes and gets below Molyneux by door 
down l. Flicks his napkin into Molyneux's eye, 
You see ? Nosing at all. La — la ! 

(He rushes off l. Molyneux follows for a step 
or two, then pauses and turns) 

Molyneux. (crosses up to l. of Felgate, rubbing 
his injured eye) The wretched foreign beast must 
have gone mad ! (opens his eye, sees Felgate has 
taken an lee) Why, you've got one ! 

Felgate. An ice ? Thanks, yes, I have ; pleasant 
things this hot weather. 

Molyneux. But, my dear Felgate, our friend 
Lady Tuddenham — 



Act HI. ] THE BEAR LEADERS. 115 

(She wakes up.) 
is literally fainting for an ice — 

(Lady Tuddenham rises slowly in pleasurable 
anticipation) 

so ii you'll allow me. (trying to take /• 

Felgate. I'm afraid I've started on this one 

(Molyneux gesture.) 

I'm sorry. 

(Molyneux crosses to l.) 

As I was saying, Mrs. Molyneux (again resumes 

conversation) 

(Molyneux gives gesture of despair.) 

Molyxeux. Well, Felgate, you sup ; you ad- 
mitted it just now. 

Felgate. Yes. (crosses to r. of Molyxeux) 

Molyneux. (looking . Felgate up and down) 
My dear (to Mrs. Molyneux), he'd get into the 
supper room. 

Mrs. Molyneux. (also looking at Felgate) I 
think he would — weight's bound to tell. (Mrs. 
Molyneux goes up a little) 

Molyneux. Yes — what those brutes want is a 
battering ram. (crosses below Felgate to r. of oim) 
Gome and be introduced to Lady Tuddenham. 

Felgate. With much pleasure, (follows Moly- 
neux) 

Molyneux. Lady Tuddenham — mv friend, Mr. 



tlti THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act HI 

Felgate, will have the privilege of taking you down to 
supper. 

(Molyneux crosses behind Felgate, who comes to 
Lady Tuddenham. Molyneux stands l. of 
Felgate) 

Lady Tuddenham. 'E's very obliging. I was 
beginning to feel quite fainty. 

Felgate. Delighted, I'm sure, [to Molyneux, 
on his l., handing ice plate) May I trouble you? 
(offers his r. arm to Lady Tuddenham. They move 
up slowly) 1 was telling Mrs. Molyneux I have been 
dining at the Mansion House. 

(Molyneux crosses to l., puts ice plate on table above 
door.) 

Lady Tuddenham. 'Ave you ? 

Felgate. They still do you marvellously well. 

Lady Tuddenham. Do they ? (going up steps 
slowly) 

Felgate. Yes, I'm afraid 1 must plead guilty to 
three plates of turtle. 

Lady Tuddenham. (stops, pulls him round so 
that they face the audience) Don't talk like that, 
there's a dear good man ; I can't bear it. 

Felgate. Three plates of turtle, I assure you. 

(They go out up l.) 
Molyneux. Well, that disposes of them ; 1 wonder 
how the rest of the crew are getting along. 

Mrs. Molyneux. I. don't know, and I don't par- 



Act III.] THE BEAR LEADERS. 117 

ticularly care. I'm going to have five bars rest. 
(strolls over and sits on lounge it.) 
(Beckton enters from r. up r. from conservatory. 
(He crosses down to l. of Mrs. Molyneux) 

Molyneux. (goes up, sits on step) I'm with you. 
We'll let 'em all rip. 

Mrs. Molyneux. Ah, Horace, anything the 
matter ? 

Beckton. I've got an understudy chauffeur 
to-night — who is more than three parts screwed — an 
hour or two in your servants' hall ought to round 
him off nicely. 

Molyneux. Do you mean to say, Beckton, you 
have deposited an intoxicated chauffeur in ray 
servants' hall ? 

(Byles comes on down l.) 

Beckton. Where was I to put him ? 

Molyneux. Surely you could have — — 

Byles. I beg pardon, sir. 

Molyneux. (irrilabbj) What is it ? 

Byles. Nearly all the gentlemen guests are 
leaving. 

Molyneux. Well, don't try to baulk them. 

Byles. There's a good deal of excitement in their 
cloak-room. 

Molyneux. What excitement ? 

Byles. One of Pastarelli's waiters has been 
rather peculiar all the evening. 

Molyneux. Yes, he has. (rises, steps to Mrs. 



118 THE BEAR LEADERS. [AotIII. 

Molyneux and Beckton) And I shall have some- 
thing rather peculiar to say to Pastarelli. 

Byles. One of the maids noticed him throwing 
the coats about and trampling on the hats. 

Molyneux. (turns to Byles) Trampling on the 
hats ? 
Byles. So f am informed, sir. 
Molyneux. I'll go and see into this, [crosses 
below Byles) Come, with me. (speaks as he <joes 
off) I may need your protection. 

(He goes off hastily followed by Byles.) 
Beckton. You see, mam, it's a new 7 motor — 
(Petworth has come on down the steps) 

and the Dook paid rather a heavy figure for it. 

Hullo, Teddy ; where's Evadne ? 
Petworth. I dunno ; I mislaid her somewhere. 

(crossing over to Mrs. Molyneux below Beckton and 

Mrs. Molyneux) Oh, I say, old dear, I feel so 

blessed tired. 
Mrs. Molyneux. Do you, Teddy ? (she moves 

up on settee) Come and sit down. 
Petw'ORTH. Righto, (sits by her, below her) 
Mrs. Molyneux. What was all that about the 

motor ? 
Beckton. It's a corkin' good car, and I don't 

believe this deputy chauffeur is in a state to drive it 

back, (different tone) I went outside about half an 

hour ago, and the drunken hound hadn't even taken 

it to the garage. 



ActITL] THE BEAR LEADERS. 119 

Mrs. Molyxeux. Hadn't he? 
Becktox. No. It's all a noosance. Til go and 
smoke somewhere. 

Mrs. Molyxeux. Do. 

(Becktox goes off conservatory up r.) 

Petworth. What's that about the chauffeur ? 

Mrs. Molyxeux. According to Horace, he's 
temporarily drunk, and permanently incapable, and 
the motor is running loose in the street outside. 

Petworth. Oh, that's it ? I say, isn't life a 
silly game ? 

Mrs. Molyxeux. 1 suppose you don't want to 
marry V 

Petworth. Oh, I wouldn't say that. 

Mrs. Molyx"eux. You're young to marry. 

Petworth. (insists on this) That's simple rot, 
old dear ; if a young man's going to marry, the 
younger the young man does it the better ; it gives 
him an object in life. 

Mrs. Molyxeux. You mean Evadne ? 

Petworth. Oh, confound Evadne. 

Mrs. Molyxeux. {rising. Goes towards steps) 
Well, you said you wanted an object. 

(Strolling towards c. as Madame Mescale comes 

on in hat l.) 

Madame Mescale. I'm going now, Madam. 

Mrs. Molyxeux. Very good. 

Madame Mescale. I shall come round in the 



120 THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act HI. 

morning to superintend the removal of the plants. 
Mrs. Molyneux. All rigkv. Good night. 

(As Madame Mescale crosses below Mrs. Molyneux 
towards conservatory, Mrs. Molyneux goes slightly 
l., meeting Molyneux, below steps, who comes 
rushing down l. Mescale keeps her eyes on 
Molyneux and Mrs. Molyneux keeps just by 
settee R.) 
Molyneux. My dear, I've been having a ghastly 

time. 
Mrs. Molyneux. What's the matter ? 
Molyneux. Why that — er — {wipes his forehead) 

er 

Madame Mescale. (to Petworth from above 

him) Read that ; it's important. 

(Gives Jiim letter unseen by the Molyneuxs, then goes 
into conservatory . ) 

Molyneux. {facing audience) That infernal for- 
eign waiter has mixed the coats and smashed all the 
hats ; but the men are showing temper, even out in 
the street, (pleased). However, everybody is be- 
ginning to go. 

Mrs. Molyneux. (steps doum) Thank Heaven ! 

Molyneux. Would you mind speeding the parting 
guests ? 
(During this Sir Kennedy has come on to platform 

above steps. They both twrn inwards, go up a step, 

see him, look at one another, then both turn and hold 

on to the balustrade.) 



Act HI.] THE BEAR LEADERS. 121 

Mrs. Molyneux. Not at all. 

Sir Kennedy. I fear I must be going. 

(Both the Molyneuxs are much relieved.) 
Strangely enough Lady Marjorie and I missed each 
other in the ball-room. 

Mrs. Molyneux, That's very odd. {up on flat- 
form r. of Loomes) 

Sir Kennedy. It is very singular. 

Mrs. Molyneux. Gome along, we'll try again. 
(Taking his arm, they go off — as they <jo.) 

Molyneux. That's all right. 

(Molyneux (joes r.c. and up towards conservatory, 
where he is met by Madame Mescale, who emerges 
from conservatory.) 
Merciful goodness ! 

Madame Mescale. I've left written instructions 
with Master Teddy. I must have that money to-mor- 
row. I shall be here in the morning. I'm going now. 

(Is going down towards door down l. He stops her 
turns her inwards, puts his l. arm round her waist 
and crosses up ivith her towards conservatory) 

Molyneux. You couldn't do better ; there's a 
short way out through the — 

(Durocq enters down l. jauntily, is crossing to up 
r., sees Molyneux with his arm round Madame 
Mescale's waist, stops as if shot, waits below steps.) 

conservatory and down the side staircase. Good 

night. 



122 THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act 111. 

Madame Mescale. Good night. 

(She goes out through the conservatory.) 
(Molyneux turns and {aces Durocq.) 

Durocq. Aha, my brave old man, vonce more 
you make your court to de lovely ladies. 

Molyneux. You damned impudent jumping frog. 

Durocq. If 1 am frog you are monkay — old 
monkay, {crosses below Molyneux to l. of Petworth) 
and dere again is de young monkay. (dashes across 
to Petworth and snaps his fingers in his face) La — 
la — la : Now (to Molyneux) I quit your 'ouse and 
will return to it — nevaire ! (crosses below Molyne ux 
to down l. of him) 

Molyneux. (goes to him) I'll take care of that. 
How about those hats ? 

Durocq. 'Ats ? I dance on your 'ats, I mingle 
your coats in a grand melange — (Molyneux makes 
a movement, Durocq shoots out his hand) and if you 
approach me I box your eye. La — la ! 

(He rushes off down l.) 

Molyneux. (following hastily) I'll send for a 
policeman and withdraw my custom from Pastarelli. 

(He goes off down l.) 

Petworth. (reading letter) " I'm sure you don't 
mean to keep your written promise to marry me." 
Oh, Lord ! 

(Lady Marjorie enters from top of stairs up l., conies 
do, at stairs towards Petworth.) 



Act III.] THE BEAR LEADERS. 123 

" I happen to want money, and I'll take a thousand 
for your letters ; but I must have it quick, or there'll 
be trouble. Yours, Lucie." That settles me ! 

Lady Mar jorie (front of him) What settles you ? 

Petworth. I'm in a mess. 

Lady Marjorie. (goes to him a step) What's 
the matter ? 

Petworth. I've got a past. 

Lady Marjorie. (jumps back) You haven't? 

Petworth. I tell you I have. 

Lady Marjorie. (rushes at him) Oh, Teddy, you 
dear boy. (sits above him, pushes her arm through 
his, naively) Tell me all about her. 

Petworth. I'll tell you this : she's going to make 
trouble, and it's sickening, because I'd quite taken to 
that notion of you and I marrying — see ? 

Lady Marjorie. Well, there's only one way — 
(she thinks this out and then points it) we must com- 
promise each other and force everybody's hands. 

Petworth. That sounds useful. 

Lady Marjorie. We must bolt. 

Petavorth. W^hen ? 

Lady Marjorie. To-night. 

Petworth. The midnight trains to everywhere 
have gone. 

Lady Marjorie. Ah, if we could only motor. 

Petworth. We could do that, there is a motor, 
it's the Duke's, Beckton came in it, it's outside, the 
chauffeur's drunk and can't drive it back, so with luck 
we might nip out and collar it. 



124 THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act III. 

Lady Marjorie. Well then, I'll tell you what — 
(strongly) we'll motor down into the country and 
come back thoroughly compromised, (she rises) 
Have you got a motor coat? 

Petworth. (rises) No, I'll take Beckton' s ; he 
can't want it if we've got the motor ; (crosses beloiv 
her, (joes up the steps) it's in the cloak-room. 

Lady Marjorie. (goes to him, he turns on steps) 
Fetch it and hide it in the conservatory, (points to it, 
face to audience) I'll do the same. We can get out 
that way, and ;I'll scribble a line to Mrs. Molly ex- 
plaining things and leave it in my room. 

Petworth. (makes much of this bright thought) 
We'd better lock both our doors and bring the keys 
away ; it will postpone discovery. 

Lady Marjorie. Very well. Now run away and 
make haste. 

Petworth. Righto ! 

(He goes up the steps, Lady Marjorie goes off R- 
Molyneux comes on l. Beckton comes on through 
conservatory.) 

Molyneux. Nearly everybody's gone, it's most 
satisfactory, (meets Beckton c.) Hullo, Beckton, 
where have you been ? 

Beckton. (angry with him) In your basement, 
old chap. Our blessed chauffeur is as drunk as 

Molyneux. As a fiddle ? 

Beckton. A fiddle ! A double bass would be 
under the mark. What am I to do with him ? 



Act III.] THE BEAR LEADERS. 125 

Molyneux. Why ask me ? In any case you 
must get him up the area steps yourself. I've just got 
rid of that foreign waiter and these things are ex- 
hausting. 

Beckton. I know they are. 

Molyneux. Byles kicked him out of the front 
door, while I stood firmly on the top step and watched 
him do it. 

Beckton. That's great ; but the chauffeur is a 
heavy beast. I don't fancy I can lift him. 

Molyneux. Look here, Beckton, I feel this is 
not the moment for the intervention of a policeman 
and an ambulance, so as you and I are old friends my 
coal cellar is at your disposal. 

Beckton. Devilish good of you. Would you give 
me your authority ? 

Molyneux. I'll come with you and explain. 

Beckton. Thanks, then I'll get my coat. ! shall 
have to drive the blessed motor myself. 

(Follows Molyneux off l.) 

(Pet worth conies on down steps carrying motor coat 
and cap, Bus, he dodges back for a moment. As he 
comes down steps Lady Marjorie comes on, r. 
carrying travelling coat and hat. Petworth carries 
his coat on his r. arm.) 

Petworth. There you are, that's ripping. 
Lady Marjorie. So you found the coat ? 
Petworth. Yes. {in his l. hand) I found 



120 THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act III 

Beckton's coat in the cloak-room. Nobody saw me, 
and I got a cap. 

Lady Marjorie. Whose V 

Petworth. (unreasonable 'question) How should 
I know ? Give me your things, [takes her coat on his 
L. arm and hat) I'll take 'em into the conservatory , 
then we must trust to luck to get away. 

(They go up.) 

Lady Marjorie. And till then we must play up 
for all we're worth. 

(Petworth goes up to coyiservatory off l. Mrs. 
Molyneux comes in from stairs l. followed by Sir 
Kennedy l. Lady Marjorie comes down 
stage) 

Mrs. Molyneux. Oh, there you are at last ! 
Sir Kennedy wants to say good night to you. 

Lady Marjorie. I've been looking for him 
everywhere. 

Mrs. Molyneux. I'm sure you have. 

(Lady Marjorie crosses below Molyneux to 

LOOMES.) 

Sir Kennedy. My dear Lady Marjorie 

Lady Marjorie. Why did you run away from 
me ? [ don't think it was quite kind ; the truth is 
you're fickle. 

Sir Kennedy. Fickle ? 

Lady Marjorie. Very fickle, that's the way with 
men who know their power over us. 



Act ILL] THE BEAR LEADERS. 127 

Sir Kennedy, {almost like a speech) At this late 
hour 1 will not attempt to defend myself from such a 
gratifying accusation, but I shall take an early 
opportunity of calling and endeavouring to do so. 

Lady Marjorie. Oh, I hope you will. Good 
night, dear Sir Kennedy. 

Sir Kennedy. Good night, my dearest Lady 
Marjorie. 
(He raises her hand to his lips, she crosses him below 

him and unseen rubs her hand vigorously with her 

handkerchief.) 
I am going now, Mrs. Molyneux. 

Mrs. Molyneux. Are you going strong ? 

Sir-Kennedy, (looks towards Marjorie) I really 
think so. (back to Marjorie) Good night. 

Mrs. Molyneux. {pause, then) Good-night. 

(Sir Kennedy goes up the steps and off up l.) 

Lady Marjorie. (goes to Mrs. Molyneux) 
Well, how's that ? 

Mrs. Molyneux. You seem to have squared the 
old gentleman. 

Lady Marjorie. I have ; he has trotted off home 
to dream of me. 

Mrs. Molyneux. (hand on her shoulder) 1 tell 
you what it is, my young friend, I fancy one of these 
fine days you'll give London something to talk about. 

Lady Mar jorie. (thinks of elopement) I wonder ! 
(Molyneux and Evadne come on l. Lady Marjorie 
crosses and sits on chair above door l.) 



128 THE BEAR LEADERS. j [Act III. 

Molyneux. (crosses towards c. with Evadne on 
his l.) My dear Miss Evadne, it's all right. Lady 
Tuddenham is probably here, {takes Evadne over a 
little) 

Mrs. Molyneux. What's the matter ? 

Molyneux. I found Miss Evadne hidden away 
behind the grand piano, (passes Evadne across) 
Where is Lady Tuddenham ? 

(Evadne sits on settee r. r. end of it, Felgate and 
Lady Tuddenham appear on steps, she isft. of him. 
Molyneux and Mrs. Molyneux go up together 
up R. towards conservatory) 

Mrs. Molyneux. Felgate's got her, hasn't he ? 

Molyneux. I thought so, what's he done with 
her? 

Felgate. I'm exceedingly sorry about this 
supper question, Lady Tuddenham. 

Lady Tuddenham. I suppose it can't be 'elped. 
(from top of steps) 'Ulloa, Evadne, where 'ave you 
been 'iding yourself ? 

Molyneux. (lias come downto r. of steps) Behind 
the grand piano. 

Lady Tuddenham. (coming down steps) We'll 
get along 'ome I think. 

Mrs. Molyneux. I hope you've had some supper. 

Lady Tuddenham. No, indeed I 'aven't. 

Mrs. Molyneux. Haven't you ? 

Molyneux. But why not ? 

Lady Tuddenham. (off the steps, crosses below 






Act III.] THE BEAR LEADERS. 12» 

Molyneux to settee R.) You'd better ask your friend 
Mr. Fiddlegate. (sits above Evadne on settee r.) 

(Molyneux crosses to Felgate who is below steps. 
Mrs. Molyneux comes to Molyneux's r.) 

Felgate. It was a chapter of accidents. I'm really 
distressed about it. Your supper room was rather 
congested, but we got in. I deposited Lady 
Tuddenhamat a small table remote from the buffet 
and then 3 oraged, but I soon lost heart. The 
forlorn drumstick of a fowl was no fit offering for 
a lady, so I dealt with it myself, and a tiny scraping 
of lobster salad enabled me to get it down. 

Molyneux. Then you found nothing for Lady 
Tuddenham ? 

Felgate. Practically nothing ; there was half a 
meringue-, but really that seemed like two bites at a 
cherry, so I disposed of that also. 

Molyneux. (laughs) Well, upon my soul, Fel- 
gate ! 

Felgate. However I was lucky enough to come 
across a glass of champagne which had apparently 
been poured out for somebody else. 

Molyneux. Yes, well ? 

Felgate. I was conveying it to Lady Tuddenham, 
when I had a sudden spasm in. the throat, and in- 
stinctively, almost automatically, I drank it off. 

Molyneux. Did you ? 

Felgate. Yes, it was a long chapter of accidents. 

i 



130 THE BEAR LEADERS. |ArTlIT. 

r ' Laj i ' Marjorie, who ' ritl 'ng on 
chair i>.) 

(Look between Molyneux and Mrs. Molyneux.) 
Lady Tuddenham. {both rise) 1 think it must 
bo good-night, now, Mrs. Molyneux ; we should 'ave 
liked to say oh .revver to Mr. Petworth 

(Petworth enters from up conservatory up l.) 
Mrs. Molyneux. (goes up towards conservatory) 
I don't know where Teddy has put himself. 

{During this Petworth has come down.) 

Oh, here he is, Teddy, Lady Tuddenham and Miss 
Evadne are going. 

(The Tuddenhams get a little down r.) 

Petworth. (on the r. of Mrs. Molyneux) Are 
they ? Oh, I say, that's rotten luck, (comes down 
l. of Lady Tuddenham) 1 had a gorgeous dance 
with Miss Tuddenham and then we missed each 
other, and I've been trying to find her again ever 
since. 

Lady Tuddenham. {^earning on him) Oh well, 
accidents will 'appen, as Mr. Fiddlegate was just 
saying. Good-night, Mr. Petworth. 

Petworth. Good night, (shakes hands eagerly 
with Lady Tuddenham and Evadne) 

(Evadne shakes hands with Mrs. Molyneux before 
cross bin her.) 
Molyneux. (advancing) Permit me, Lady Tud- 



THE BEAR LEADERS. kjj 

:' ' ' sure, which ; - a greatonejof 

seeing you to your carriage, {goes on to platform) 

Lady Tuddenham. Thank you. 

Molyneux. (on the platform, Lady Tuddenham 
just below him) And this I will say, without fear of 
contradiction, because I heard it on all sides. Miss 
Evadne was the belle of the ball. 

(Evadxe smiles.) 
Lady Tuddenham. It's very obliging of you to 
say so, Mr. Molyneux. 

{They go off. followed by Evadne.) 
(Petworth leaning over back of settee R.) 

Felgate. (crosses to l. of her) Good night, Mrs. 
Molyneux. I'm remorseful that Lady Tuddenham 
had no supper. 

Mrs. Molyneux. She was better off than she 

thinks ; it was a contract supper. 

Felgate. (dubiously) Hum — was it really ? 
Mrs. Molyneux. Good -night. 
Felgate. Good-night. 

(He (pes up steps. Lady Marjorie has risen, she 
goes to Mrs. Molyneux) 

Lady Marjorie. Good-night, Mrs. Molly. Have 
I been behaving very badly ? 

Mrs. Molyneux. Not worse than usual you 
danced a lot too much with Teddy, (turning to 
Mm) who, ] begin to think, is a bad hat. 

Petworth. Oh ! 



132 THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act III. 

Lady Marjorie. And am I a bad toque ? 

Mrs. Molyneux. You certainly are, but you 
look all right when you're properly trimmed. 

Lady Marjorie. And yet you like me because 
you can't help it, and I like you, though I didn't 
mean to. (reaches up and hisses Mrs. Molyneux) 

Mrs. Molyneux. Hullo ! That's unusual. 

Lady Marjorie. Yes, it's a new (looks at Pet- 
worth) departure (going r., stops, turns from below 
settee r.) Need I get up early to-morrow ? 

Mrs. Molyneux. The longer you stay in bed the 
quieter we shall all be. • 

Lady Marjorie. Good-night, Mr. Petworth. 

Pet worth. Good-night, Lady Marjorie. (she 
crosses him and goes towards the door r. — to Mrs. 
Molyneux) I say, old dear. 

(Takes Mrs. Molyneux affectionately by the arm and 

leads her ttvo steps l. so that she doesn't see Lady 

Marjorie steal round to the conservatory.) 
You don't really think I'm a bad hat, do you ? 
(Lady Marjorie is off l., is patting on her coat and 
hat.) 

Mrs. Molyneux. Not as future dukes go ; you 
look doggy tired. 

Petworth. I am tired. 

Mrs. Molyneux. Shall I tell you a secret, Teddy ? 

Petworth (nervously half looks round R.) Yes. 

Mrs. Molyneux. So am I. Good-night. 

Petworth. Good night, old dear. 



Act in.] THE BEAR LEADERS. 133 

(They shake hands, she turns towards the steps, he 
goes r., watching her, and darts round the settee 
to conservatory, meeting Lady Marjorie, who has 
put on her coat and hat. As Mrs. Molyneux is about 
to go up the steps Beckton appears at the top of 
them : he has a swashed hat in his hand.) 

Beckton. (holding out hat for Mrs. Molyneux's 
inspection, on the platform) What do you say to that, 
main ? That's a nice kind of hat, isn't it ? 

Mrs. Molyneux. It's a bad hat ; it's worse than 
Teddy. 

Beckton. Yes, well, that doesn't matter ; but I've 
lost my coat. 

(Petworth creeps to r. to steps pulling on coat, Lady 
Marjorie is on his r.) 

Mrs. Molyneux. No, you haven't ; you've got it 
on. 

Beckton. I mean my motor coat; it's vanished. 

{During this Lady Marjorie helps Petworth on 
with the coat ; he puts on cap and they go off on tiptoe 
through the conservatory. Molyneux enters l.) 

Molyneux. At last everybody's gone. 

Mrs. Molyneux. No, Horace wants to take you 
on. (crosses, sits settee R.) 

Molyneux. What's the matter now, Beckton ? 
If it's anything more about your chauffeur 

Beckton. It isn't ; but look at that hat. (holds 
out hat) 



134 THE BEAR LEADERS. [AcjtIII. 

Molyneux. (takes it) Well, compared with 
many of the others, it's in excellent condition. 
(hands it back to Beckton, laughs) 

Beckton. Yes. (taking hat) But I can't find 
my motor coat. 

Molyneux. Can't you ? 

Beckton. Of course it ain't really my coat at all, 
(down a step) it's the Book's, he bought it for tra- 
velling I borrowed it to-night without his knowing 
and there'll be a corkin' big row about the loss of it. 

Molyneux. Of course the Duke will be annoyed. 
(goes a step down stage) With you. 

Beckton. (comes off steps to r. of him) Oh no, 
that's rot. It was in the care of your servants, a 
charge like that is sacred. 

Molyneux. I've nothing to do with the loss of 
something from my house which ought neve]' to 
have been there, [laughs) I would lend you one 
of my coats, but it wouldn't fit. 

Beckton. No, I'm dashed if it would. I mast 
drive the motor home as I am, and I shall be chilled 
to the bone ; but if the coat should turn up again 
to-morrow, I suppose you'll look after it for me ? 
Molyneux. Of course I will. Good-night. 
Beckton. Good-night. Good-night, mam. 

Mrs. Molyneux. Good-night. 

(Beckton goes.) 

(Mrs. Molyneux has gone over and sat on lounge. 
Molyneux goes over to her.) 



Act HI. I THE BEAR LEADERS. 135 

Molyneux. My dear, we've struggled through 
many vicissitudes, but I hope we shall never have 
to give another ball. 

Mrs. Molyneux. No, and I hope the old Countess 
will find this one worth the money. After all, Loonies 
went away comparatively happy, and our two cubs 
have gone quietly to bed, so they're off out- minds for 
once. 

Molyneux. Gone to bed, have they ? After 
behaving atrociously all the evening. 

Mrs. Molyneux. Yes, all the evening, {slight 
pause) I ought to drag myself upstairs, but 1 
simply haven't got the energy. 

Molyneux. (up a bit) 1 didn't lose my temper 
with Beckton just now, but he's given me a bad 
time, what with his convivial chauffeur, and his petty 
irritation at losing a coat that doesn't belong to him. 
I. was quite relieved when he said a final good-night 

(Beckton has come on again.) 

Beckton. I say, really, you know, Molyneux, 
(comes down steps to l. of hint) this is getting beyond a 
joke. 

Molyneux. Far beyond. 

Beckton. Somebody's collared the motor; it's 
gone. 

Molyneux. Has it ? Well, what then ? 

Beckton. What then ? Damn it all ; it's the 
Book's new motor. We bought it last week. 

Molyneux. i can't help that, 



136 THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act IV. 

Beckton. It cost fifteen hundred, and was a 
bargain at that, and it's gone. 
Molyneux. I'm sorry, but why apply to me ? 
Beckton. (turns a little to l., takes step to l.) 
The motor was outside your house a quarter of an 
hour ago. I saw it there, and I tell you plainly the 
Dook's sure to hold you responsible. 
Molyneux. (rise) Me ? How am I responsible ? 
Beckton. Because it was outside your front door. 
Molyneux. So is the letter-box — (pause) and 
the lamp-post — and if any dishonest person took a 
fancy to either the letter-box or the lamp-post T 
couldn't be expected to replace them. 

Beckton. Oh well, it's no use wasting any more 

time, (turning up coat collar, (joes up on steps) 

Molyneux. (goes to R. of steps to him) Not a bit. 

Beckton. But I can tell you this, Molyneux, 

(at him) 1 shall take a taxi straight to Scotland 

Yard. 

Molyneux. You couldn't do better. 
Beckton. I left my loose silver in the motor 
coat and that's gone too. Have you got any spare 
change about you ? 

Molyneux. No, 1 haven't ! 
Beckton. Then I shall bally well walk. Good- 
night. 

Molyneux. Good-night. 

(Beckton goes off up l.) 
(turns to Mrs. Molyneux) There ! That's a friend. 



Act UI.J THE BEAR LEADERS. 137 

What does it matter to us where he jolly well walks 
to? 

(Byles has come on from down l., comes to l.c.) 

Byles. I beg pardon, sir 

Molyneux. What is it now ? 

Byles. There is a little unpleasantness in the 
kitchen. 

Molyneux. (step to him) Not that infernal 
chauffeur again ? 

Byles. No, sir. 

Molyneux. (obvious statement made casually) 
He's in the coal cellar, isn't he ? 

Byles. No, sir, he's in the dustbin ; but owing 
to the effect of the dancing, the kitchen ceiling has 
fallen. 

Molyneux. (look at Mrs. Molyneux) The 
kitchen ceiling has fallen ! (turns to Mrs. Molyneux) 
What shall we do now ? 

Mrs. Molyneux. (as she rises) We'll go to bed. 

(Molyneux takes her arm, they go up steps.) 
Very Quick Curtain. 



ACT IV 

Next day. Scene. The drawing-room. Time. 
Early midday. 

The room is disarranged giving evidence of not 
having been put in order after last night. Chester- 
field is c. of room with settee l. alongside of it, two 
gilt chairs on chesterfield which is covered by a large 
dust sheet. Two cushions on settee h. Dusl-pan 
and brush under c. of chesterfield. Windows all 
closed. Curtains, each pair knotted together to 
clear floor. Long-handled broom leaning up against 
c. table. Duster on c. table. Duster on bottom end 
of chesterfield. 

(Molyneux comes in hastily with open letter in his 
hand.) 

Molyneux. (looking round) What the devil's 
the meaning of all this ? 

(Rings bell by fire, after ringing bell looks at pile on 
chesterfield, pulls settee l. round to its original 
position, crosses below chesterfield to r. side of it, 
picks up duster and tivo gilt chairs, is now carrying 
duster, dust sheet, two chairs, when Byles enters 
up L.) 

Byles, this is disgraceful. 

138 



Act IV.] THE BEAR LEADERS. 139 

Byles. Anything the matter, sir ? 

Molyneux. Here, I've had a letter — incon- 
venient visitors are nearly dne — this room is in con- 
fusion, and (looking at his watch) it's twelve o'clock 
in the day. (puts chairs down, one l. of tabic c, 
other in front of it) 

Byles. You see, sir, there was the ball last night 
— and we are without a kitchen ceiling. 

Molyneux. The kitchen ceiling has fallen ; you 
must face the fact like a man, and try to support it ; 
meanwhile have the goodness to put this room in 
order. 

Byles. Yes, sir, or shall I summon the maids 
whose dooty it is ? 

Molyneux. Certainly not ; do it yourself and 
I'll lend you a hand. 

(Byles stands a moment, looks at Molyneux, who 
fulls chesterfield round R. to its original position, 
Byles then goes slowly to settee l. and brings two 
cushions to chesterfield . Molyneux looks up, speaks.) 

This won't do, 1 can see your heart isn't in it. 

(Byles puts cushions on chesterfield R.) 

You'd better go and ask Mrs. Molyneux to come to 
me. 

(Molyneux goes up, picks up long broom, sweeps 
carpet a little, thru speaks ; he is now above By 
who is by opening up l.) 



140 THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act IV. 

Byles. Yes, sir. (going) 

Molyneux. Wait a minute ; take this broom. 
(gives him long broom) We shan't require it. 

(Byles takes long broom dubiously and goes off.) 

(Molyneux then goes to work at the furniture by him- 
self. Molyneux with dust sheet still round himt 
unties the curtains, opens windows r. and l. Puts 
gilt chairs to l. of settee, chesterfield r., steps back 
to look at his work on to dust-pan and brush, gives 
exclamation, puts dust-pan on chair l. of settee r.> 
brushes settee n.,then goes to settee l., kneels down in 
front of it, brushes it, says " That's better." Mrs- 
Molyneux comes on up l. with open telegram in 
her hand.) 

My dear, I'm sorry to trouble you, but I've been 
putting this room straight — a task which is hardly 
consonant with my position. 

Mrs. Molyneux. I don't know that it's exactly 
my job either. 

Molyneux. Oh no, dear — certainly not. (goes 
to her) I sent for you because I've had a letter 
which is hideously important, (takes out letter) 

Mrs. Molyneux. I've had a wire that will want 
a lot of beating. 

Molyneux. I'd back my letter against your 
telegram. 

Mrs. Molyneux (sits on settee r.) It's early to 
gamble or I'd take you. Who's your letter from ? 

Molyneux. Beckton. 



Act IV.] THE BEAR LEADERS. 141 



Mrs. Molyneux. Has he begun again ? 

Molyneux. I'll read it to you. (reads, goes to 
her) " Dear old Moll, the Duke's in a high old 
temper at the loss of motor ; he's coming round to see 
you this morning, but not about that ; fact is he's 
suddenly carting us up to Buxton this afternoon, 
and he wants to talk over Master Teddy and the 
Tuddenham alliance. By his orders I'm sending a 
letter round to Lady T. asking her to meet him at 
your place, and discuss matrimonial possibilities. 
Yours, Horace B." There, I call that [nice— 
thoroughly nice. 

Mrs. Molyxeux. You'll say so when you hear 
my wire ; it's from Jane. 

Molyneux. The old Countess? 

Mrs. Molyneux. Yes. f {reads) " Passing through 
London to-day. Will call to see Marjorie and bring 
Loomes with me. (she looks at telegram) 

Molyneux. Oh, good heavens ! (subsides on 
to dustpan and brush which he has put on settee and 
forgotten) Damn ! 

Mrs. Molyneux. (still looking at telegram) It's 
no use swearing ; we've got to think. 

Molyneux. But I sat on the dust-pan. (holding 
up dust-pan) 

Mrs. Molyneux. (looks at him) Why ? 

Molyneux. I'd forgotten it was there ; well, 
now then, you see if the Duke and the Countess 
arrive about the same time our position won't bear 
thinking of. 



142 THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act IV. 

M is M Jane could hardly- get here this 

morning, and the Duke's going to Buxton this 
afternoon. 

Molyneux. What is the first thing to do ? 

Mrs. Molyneux. Ring the bell. 

Molyneux. {going to bell) Just so, my dear, 
(rings bell) and when Byles — who isn't quite himself 
to-day — answer's it, what then ? 

Mrs. Molyneux. We must rouse up the two cubs 
at once, in case they're wanted. 

Molyneux. Edward in particular, (sees duster 
on table c, gets it) 

Mrs. Molyneux. Yes, but we. can do with both. 
(Byles comes on.) 
Byles, tell Lloyd to wake Lady Marjorie, and put 
her into something wearable. 

Byles. Yes, madam ; if you will allow me 

Molyneux. And, Byles, tell Rawdon to get Mr. 
Petworth up at any cost, and 1 should like him to 
wear his grey suit, with the striped waistcoat. 

Byles. Yes, sir ; I was about to tell you. 

Molyneux. One moment, Byles, you can keep 
these for your trouble, (giving trim, dust- fan and 
brush) I've no further use for them. 

Byles. (taking them) Thank you, sir. I ought 
to mention — Lloyd has been unable to awaken 
Lady Marjorie ; her door is locked. 

Mrs. Molyneux. Then burst it open. 

Byles. Rawdon was unable to rouse Mr. Pet- 
worth for the same reason. 



ActIV.j the bear leaders. 14:; 

Mo [s Mr. Petworth's door locked? 

Byles. It is, sir. 

Molyneux. Then burst that open too, and put 
a little spirit into it ; I won't have any drones in 
this hive ; by the way, what about Mr. Beckton's 
chauffeur ? 

Byles. He left this morning, sir, after making a 
hearty breakfast. 

{He goes.) 

Molyneux. Beast ! 

Mrs. Molyneux. 1 wonder if this door locking 
is a, little joke of those two beauties. 

Molyneux. To put us to the expense of a lock- 
smith ■? Very likely, (sits chair l. of settee) Well, 
this is disgusting ; here the Duke has been com- 
fortably bed-ridden for weeks, and is suddenly well 
enough to be moved to-day ; yesterday or to-morrow 
wouldn't have mattered. 

Mrs. Molyneux. No, and if sciatica had post- 
poned Jane's holiday till next week it would have 
been more convenient. She's been trying a different 
doctor who seems to have cured her before he knew 
what he was doing. 

Molyneux. Clumsy idiot ! Of course I did 
mean to have a little golf to-day. 

Mrs. Molyneux. Did you ? 

Molyneux. Yes ; it can't be helped ; but Jack 
Phillips, Tommy Podmore, Barty Fitzgerald, and 
myself would have made an interesting foursome. 
(Byles comes in Jiastilij.) 



144 THE BEAR LEADERS. [AcTtV. 

Byles. I beg pardon. 

Molyneux. (irritably. Rises, goes to him) What 
is it now'? 

Byles. | Rawdon and Lloyd would like to speak 
to you for a minute. 

Molyneux. Well, bring them in — we've no time 
for this kind (walk up) of thing. 

(Byles beckons. Lloyd comes in followed by Rawdon. ) 

Rawdon, what about Mr. Petworth ? 

Rawdon. We bust the door open with some diffi- 
culty, sir ; I thought for the moment my shoulder was 
dislocated. 

Molyneux. Never mind about that. 

Rawdon. No, sir ; but Mr. Petworth was not in 
his room — and his bed has not been slept in. 

(The Molyneuxs look at one another in astonish- 
ment.) 

Molyneux. (to Mrs. Molyneux, goes to her) 
But if he isn't there, how did he lock the door ? 

Mrs. Molyneux. There are two sides to a keyhole : 
he may have locked it and taken the key away. 

Molyneux. But, my dear 

Mrs. Molyneux. (aside to him) He may have 
gone out to see life in the early morning. Lloyd, how 
about Lady Marjorie ? 

(Lloyd has been sniffing during precious dialogue, 
now gets out her handkerchief and begins to snivel.) 

Lloyd, (between her sobs) It's no fault of mine. 



Act IV. THE BEAR LEADERS. 145 

(She is nudged by both the men.) 
Molyneux. (rapid movement up to r. of BylKs) 
What is no fault of yours ? 

(Lloyd cries loudly.) 
Calm yourself. Do you hear ? 

Mrs. Molyneux. Bring her over to me. 
Molyneux. Come this way. 

(Lloyd sobs, crosses to Mrs. Molyneux.) 

And remember that when you quit our service yon 
will require a reference. 

(Lloyd sobs, louder still.) 

Mrs. Molyneux. It's all right, Lloyd ; what's 
the matter ? 

Lloyd. After Mr. Rawdon bursted open the 
door 

Mrs. Molyneux. Yes ? 

Molyneux. Yes— well ? 

Lloyd. I went into the room — and the bed 'adn't 
been slept in — and Lady Marjorie wasn't there. 

Molyneux. Not there ? 

Lloyd. And if you please I thought of the Ser- 
pentine — and it isn't any fault of mine — oh ! (cries 
silently again) 

Mrs. Molyneux. Buck up, Lloyd ; did Lady 
Marjorie change her dress ? 

Lloyd. No, mam, but her hat and coat are gone ; 
and if you please T found this letter on the dressing- 
table. 

K 



Ill, THE BEAE LEADERS. j Act IV. 

Molyneux. (snot hi tetter) The;; didn't 

you say so before ? • 
Lloyd. You didn't give me time. 
Molyneux. There, that']] do. 

(Lloyd crosses bad' to [the men and the three remain 
in a row.) 

Mrs. Molyneux. What does the letter say ? 

Molyneux. (lie sits on chair l. of settee, reading) 
" Dear Mrs. Molly, — Teddy and I are bolting off to 
compromise ourselves, with a view to marriage later 
on : and the Duke's motto — no — the Duke's motor 
is very handy for our purpose/' Then they took the 
motor. 

Mrs. Molyneux. Well ? 

Molyneux. (again reading) " And we intend 
to be thoroughly notorious before we come back — so 
that oiu' families won't be able to say ' No ' to us. 
Love to you, and a kiss to Molly. Yours always, 
Marjorie." She's an impudent, designing, vexatious 
little vixen. What's to be done now ? (throws him- 
self back) 

Mrs. Molyneux. 1 should tell the servants not 
to wait. 

(Molyneux turns and realizes that the Servants 
are still in the room. He (joes to them.) 

Molyneux. Byles, what ar< yon all doing? 
Byles. Nothing, sir. 

Molyneux. Well, don't do it here : go and do it 
in the kitchen. 



Act THE BEAR LEADERS 147 

[They make movement to go.) 
A I mark me, (turn their heads) if a whisper should 
escape you of what you have just overhenrd, it will 
mean a month's wages in lieu of notice. 

(Lloyd is again affected, and the three withdraw.) 

(goes to her) Well, my dear, this is our position. Lady 
Grimsdal must be here soon ; the Duke may arrive 4 at 
any moment. 

Mrs. Molyneux. And the cubs have bolted. 

Molyneux. Exactly, and that being so — what 
shall we do ? 

Mrs. Molyneux. (rising) We'll go out for the 
day. 

Molyneux. Magnificent ! 

Mrs. Molyneux (crossing him) And we won't 
leave word where we're going. 

Molyneux. Sublime ! 

Mrs. Molyneux (from l. of him) t'll go and put 
my hat on. 

Molyneux. And I will await you in the hall. 

(As they are going up, Byj.es enters.) 

Byles. The Countess of Grimsdal ! 
Molyneux. Merciful goodness ! Look ! 

(Lady Grimsdal comes in on Sir Kennedy Loomes' 
arm, supporting herself on a crutch stick.) 

Mrs. Molyneux. Good morning. Jane; this is 
delightful . 

Molyneux. And so unexpected. 



148 THE BEAR LEADERS. [ Act IV. 

Lady Grimsdal. Why unexpected ? (crosses 
l to c.) How are ye, Blanche ? ( look) You 

got my telegram, didn't ye ? 

Molyneux. Oh yes, I meant the telegram was 
unexpected. 

Lady Grimsdal. Stupid little man, always was. 
Here's Loomes. [steps down) 

Mrs. Molyneux. Good morning, Sir Kennedy. 

Sir Kennedy. Good morning. 

Lady Grimsdal. I brought Loomes because I 
didn't forget your stairs. Where am I going to sit ? 

Mrs. Molyneux. Wherever you like, Jane. 
How about that lounge ? (pointing l.) 

Lady Grimsdal. (looks at settee l., then at Mrs. 
Molyneux) Is it comfortable ? 

Mrs. Molyneux. Try it. 

Molyneux. But, my dear, shouldn't we be more 
cosy in your morning-room ? 

Lady Grimsdal. What's all that ? 

Mrs. Molyneux. He thinks }^ou'd be happier 
in the morning-room. 

Molyneux. More snug. 

Lady Grimsdal. Mind your own business, Moly- 
neux ; I'll stay where I am. Now then, where's 
this lounge ? Get me on to it, and don't let me 
down with a bump. 

{They get her placed on lounge.) 
[to Mrs. Molyneux) Where are you going to sit ? 



Act IV.] THE BEAR LEADERS. 149 

Mrs. Molyneux. On a chair quite close to von, 
then I needn't shout. 

Lady Grimsdal. Shout ? 

Mrs. Molyneux. You're getting very deaf, Jane. 

Lady Grimsdal. Perhaps I am, but I don't like 
to be told so. 

Mrs. Molyneux. Then you shouldn't come to 
me. (to Molyneux) Fetch me a chair, Stanhope. 

Molyneux. Yes, dear, (goes up stage, gets 
chair l. of c. table) 

Lady Grimsdal. I'm going down to Essex — to 
stay with the Mainwarings. 

(Loomes sits l. of her on settee l.) 

Mrs. Molyneux. Are you ? 

Lady Grimsdal. How's Marjorie ? 

Mrs. Molyneux. She's very well. 

Molyneux. (r. of Mrs. Molyneux) Amazingly 
well. 

Lady Grimsdal. Any tantrums ? 

Mrs. Molyneux. A tantrum now and then. 

Lady Grimsdal. She's a worrying chit, but 
she's young. 

Mrs. Molyneux. Tantrums are not peculiar to 
childhood, (to Molyneux) First or second — 

Lady Grimsdal. What do you say ? 

Mrs. Molyneux. It isn't worth repeating. 
(Molyneux crosses to r.) 

Lady Grimsdal. (chuckling) Has she broken 
any china | 



150 THE BEAR LEADERS. [AotJV. 

Mrs. Molyneux. Nothing valuable enough to 
place on a business footing. 

Lady Grimsdal. Ah well ! — as she's never likely 
to be a credit to the family, it struck me she might 
as well marry Loonies, (she turns to Loomes) Loonies 
says he doesn't mind. 

Sir Kennedy. I have explained the rapture 
which 

Lady Grimsdal. That'll do, Loomes ; I don't Hke 
to be interrupted. 

Molyneux. No chance has been lost of placing 
Sir Kennedy's credentials in the most promising 
light. 

Lady Grimsdal. What's he say ? 

Molyneux. (crosses behind Mrs. Molyneux io 
r. of Lady GrimsDal) We've often strained the 
truth in his favour, (shouting) 

Lady Grimsdal. Get away, Molyneux. 

(Molyneux crosses back to c.) 

You've got a voice like a policeman's rattle. Where 
is Marjorie ? 

Mrs. Molyneux. At present she's out. 

Lady Grimsdal. Out ? 

Molyneux. Thoroughly and completely — out. 

Lady Grimsdal. She ought to have been here to 
meet me. 

(Byles has come on.) 

Mrs. Molyneux. She didn't know you were 
coming, neither did 1, that's all about that. 



Act IV.] THE BEAR LEADERS I") 1 

Byles. Lady Tuddenham. 

Molyneux. My dear, Lady Tuddenaam. 

Mrs. Molyneux. (aside) Well, look after her; 
I can't. 

Lady Tuddenkam. Good morning. Mr. Moly 
neux. 

(Molyneux shakes hands with Lady Tuddenham, 
draws her across to R. of himself to front of settee r.) 

I'm an early visitor ; but you know the. reason : we 
'ad a note from the Duke. 

Molyneux. Ha — ha— yes, precisely — but it's 
never too early — to begin as you mean to go on. 
(wipes his forehead) 

Lady Grimsdal. Who's this ? 

Mrs. Molyneux. Nobody you need trouble about 

Lady Tuddenham. I'm not the first arrival. 

Molyneux No — that is — the — er — Countess of 
Grimsdal— an old friend — [goes R. with her) old enough 
to know better than to call before lunch. 

Lady Tuddenham. The Countess of Grimsdal — 
really ? I'm sure Sir Francis would wish me to 
make her acquaintance. Introduce me if you'll be 
so obliging, (goes steps to l.) 

Molyneux. She's not in robust health ; any 
sudden shock might unhinge her. 

Lady Tuddenham. We're none of us as well as 
we could wish to be ; I'll introduce myself, (she 
pushes past Molyneux to R. of Mrs. Molyneux ). 
The Countess of Grimsdal. I believe. 



^52 THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act IV. 

Lady Gbimsdal. (to Mrs. Molyneux) What 
does she say ? 

Lady Tuddenham. T always think members 
of the aristocracy like us can afford to be 'ail fellow 
well met ; there's a cammeruderudery which always 
tells. 

Lady Gbimsdal. I don't know what she's talking 
about ; but (quicker) you'd better take her away. 

Molyneux. Permit me, Lady Tuddenham ; the 
Countess is advanced in years, and has called to 
discuss family affairs ; a little later she will greet 
you with rapture ; let me find you a chair, {guides 
her to chair l. of lounge r.) 

Lady Tuddenham. You're very obliging, but — 
I've a feeling — I'm not wanted. 

Molyneux. Oh, my dear Lady Tuddenham, 
what a ludicrously impossible idea. 

Lady Grimsdal. {to Mrs. Molyneux) While 
I'm here you ought to be out to everybody else. 

Mrs. Molyneux. I wish I could be. 

Lady Grimsdal. {to Loomes) I can't talk with 
all that chattering going on. Where's that morning- 
room of yours ? {rises with help of Sir Kennedy) 
Take me to it. 

(Byles comes in, stick in R. hand.) 

Mrs. Molyneux. This way, Jane. 

Byles. The Duke of Galliminster 

Lady Grimsdal. {pausing) Galliminster ! Did 
he sav Galliminster? 



Act IV. j THE BEAR LEADERS. 153 

(Molyneux meets the Duke, who has Beckton and 
two sticks to support him. Lady Tuddenham 

rises.) 

Molyneux. My dear Duke. 
Duke. How are ye ? Where's your Missus ? 
Mrs. Molyneux. (steps towards Duke) I'm 
here, Duke. 
Lady Grimsdal. Yes, Galliminster — and so am I. 

(Molyneux crosses to r. behind settee.) 

Duke. Who's that? Look, why it's the old 
Grimsdal woman, what's she doing here ? (crosses 
towards front of settee r. with Beckton) 

Lady Grimsdal. That's a question I'm beginning 
to ask myself. Blanche, I don't like the company 
you keep in these days. 

Duke. Molyneux, (who is bach of settee r.) 
blaast, ye, what's it all mean ? 

(Lady Tuddenham sits again.) 

Mrs. Molyneux. (steps to r.) Look here, Duke — 

(Duke turns, faces Mrs. Molyneux, Beckton gets 
r. of Duke.) 

if you and Jane want to understand things you'd 
better sit down and let me explain, but of course if 
you'd rather go and fight it out in the street you can. 
Which is it to be ? 

Duke. As I've got here I'll stay. 

Lady Grimsdal. I'm not aoins to run away from 



154 THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act IV. 

him. (she is replaced on settee, meanwhile Beckton 
plants the Duke on lounge R.) 

Lady Tuddenham. Good morning, Duke dear. 
I've come as you told me. 

(Beckton moves Duke's stick.) 

Duke. I see you have. Mind what you're doing , 
Beckton, that was nearly my foot. 

(Beckton gets behind settee n.,is r. of Duke at back 
of him.) 

Sir Kennedx. {rising, to Lady Grimsdal) It 
would be more congenial to me to retire, and I am 
due at the Board of Trade 

Lady Grimsdal. Sit down, Loomes ; don't you 
begin to fidget. 

(Sir Kennedy sits by Iter.) 

Lady Tuddenham. Do you know, Duke, a 
feeling has come over me that I'm de tropey. 

(Molyneux crosses behind Lady Tuddenham to c.) 

Duke. What are you talking about ? 

Lady Tuddenham. De tropey — French for not 
wanted. (Duke grunts) 

Mrs. Molyneux. {sitting) Well, now if every- 
body is quite comfortable, we'll go on. 

(Byles comes in.) 

What I should like to bring to your notice is 

Byles. Mr. Felgate. 

(Felgate comes in.) 



Act IV.] THE BEAR LEADERS. I5fi 

Molyneux. Good heavens ! (going to 
My dear Felgate, there's a time for everything. 

Felgate. is my visit inopportune ? (to Mrs. 
Molyneux) I'll call later. 

Mrs. Molyneux. No, don't go, Mr. Felgate; 
we've reached a point where a legal opinion might be. 
useful. 

Felgate. I'm entirely at your disposal. 

Lady Grimsdal. Who's this man ? 

Mrs. Molyneux. Our lawyer, (turning to him) 
Mr. Felgate, this is Lady Grimsdal. 

Felgate. Honoured, I'm sure, (botes) 

Mrs, Molyneux. Go over and know the Duke, 
and then we'll get to business. 

Molyneux. (takes Felgate over to the Duke) 
This is our legal adviser, Mr. Felgate. 

Duke. I don't care a damn who he is. 

Felgate. (murmurs) Very gratifying. 

Duke. Beckton, blaast ye, I'm slipping. 

(Beckton from the back and Molyneux from l. of 
him help Duke up.) 

Felgate. (from l. of her) Ah, Lad}^ Tuddenham, 
quite recovered after a good breakfast. 

(Beckton sits on settee r. of Duke.) 

Molyneux. (crosses behind Lady Tuddenhaim 
to r. of Felgate) Felgate, my wife is waiting to 
explain matters. 

Felgate. Surely I'm not interrupting ? I'm 
quite ashamed, (goes up a little with Molyneux) 



156 THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act IV. 

Mrs. Molyneux. Well now then, about two 

months ago 

Duke. Here, hold on, where's my nephew — young 
Petworth ? 
Molyneux. He's out for the moment. 
Duke. Out ? 

Mrs. Molyneux. I was coming to him. Two 
months ago, Duke, you sent Horace Beckton to beg 
us to put a little gloss on to your great-nephew 
Teddy Petworth ; we agreed. On the same day, Jane, 
you confided your grand-daughter, Lady Marjorie 
Hillborn, to our care — for the same reason. It was 
rather a tangle ; but we accepted the double responsi- 
bility. 

Duke. Do yon mean to say that my nephew 
has been for two solid months under the same roof 
with a grand- daughter of that — old vinegar cruet ! 
{to Beckton) 

Lady Grimsdal. Take care, Gallminster; I've 
been asked to write my recollections, and I recollect 
a great deal about you ; I should only have to tell the 
truth. 

Duke. If you dare to tell it about me, I'll pro- 
secute you for libel, (comes c.) 

Felgate. Ah, that rather familiar phrase rather 
brings me in. 1 gather there has been a little friction 
between the two very distinguished families. 
Lady Grimsdal. Friction ! 
Duke. Friction ! ! 
Felgate. Mr. and Mrs. Molyneux tried to help 



Act IV.] THE BEAR LEADERS. 157 

the younger generation to bury the hatchet. If they've 
not quite succeeded, the Duke can transfer his 
nephew elsewhere, and Lady Grimsdal can remove 
her grand- daughter. 

Lady Grimsdal. He's right ; send for Marjorie. 

Duke. Fetch young Petworth. 

Felgate. The solution is simple. 

Mrs. Molyneux. No, it isn't; they've bolted. 

Lady Grimsdal. Bolted ! 

(Beckton rises, gets to back of settee r.) 

Duke. What together ? 

Mrs. Molyneux. Yes, Duke ; it was early this 
morning after the ball ; they went off in your new 
motor, and left a letter to say so. 

Duke. My new motor ! That's another pretty 
damnable thing, (rises) What have vou got to 
say about that, Molyneux ? (is R. of Lady Tudden- 
ham) 

Molyneux. (from l. of Lady Tuddenha?>?) I 
say that Beckton was very much to blame. 

Beckton. (behind Lady Tuddenham) No, Beck- 
ton wasn't to blame ; the motor was lost outside 
your door. 

Molyneux. Where it had no right to be. 

Duke. Why not ? You haven't bought the 
kerbstone and the gutter, have ye ? 

Beckton. And I couldn't bring the thing into 
the hall like a beastly bicycle, could I ? 



158 THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act IV. 

Molyneux. (to the Duke) I say, Beckton is 
responsible. 

Duke. I can't stop the motor out (turns) of Beck- 
ton's salary ; and look here, Molyneux, blaast ye — 
where's my motor coat ? 

Molyneux. The one Beckton borrowed without 
your permission ? 

Duke. He's right there, Beckton ; you'd no 
business to be wearing my coat. • (they ore now all 
wuml Lady Tuddenham) 

Beckton. I had to wear something. 

Felgate. (to Lady Tuddenham) Yes, unfor- 
tunately that rule must be observed — even during 
a heat wave. 

Lady Tuddenham. Could I say a word ? (they 
all look down at her) 

Duke. What's the matter with you ? 

(Molyneux and Felgate go up a little.) 

Lady Tuddenham. I "ave a feeling 

Duke, Well? 

Lady Tuddenham. That what with new motors 
and boltings and one thing and the other I'm not 
wanted. 

Duke. Telia! (sits down on settee b... helped by 
Beckton.) 

Lady Tuddenham. (rising) Mr. Edward Pet- 
worth don't seem to know his own mind — and — I 
can see you'd all enjoy a quiet talk among yourselves 
— so 111 "urry 'orne to lunch. Good-day. 



Act IV.] THE BEAR LEADERS. L59 

Duke. Oh, good lay. See after her, Beckton, 
find then come back and take me away. 

{There is a little general movement, during which Beck- 
ton pilots Lady Tuddenham out.) 

(Mrs. Molyneux goes to round table up c, joins 
Molyneux, and Felgate.) 

Sir Kennedy. I also should prefer to withdraw. 

Lady Grimsdal. You'll stay where you are. 
Loonies, and get me down that staircase. 

Duke. Mrs. Molyneux, you and your husband 
had no right to take on these two young — 

(Miss. Molyneux routes to bad: of chair l. of settee R.) 

idiots at the same time. When you did it you acted 
like knaves; when you let 'em slip through your 
fingers you acted like fools, and that's what it comes 
to. 

Lady Grimsdal. For once. Gallminster's right. 

Mrs. Molyneux. I expected you'd both be nasty. 
It's an old habit of yours ; but after all why shouldn't 
Mr. Edward Petworth marry Lady Mariorie Hillborn ? 
(to Duke) 

Duke. He shan't. 

Lady Grimsdal. She shan't ! 

Mrs. Molyneux. It doesn't matter to me. {goes 

to Lady Grimsdal, stands back of chair r. of 

l.) But look here. Jane, don't forget that 

Teddy is a nice decent straight boy — I'm a judge of 



100 THE BEAR LEADERS. j Act IV. 

boys — and I tell you this : hell do credit to both 
families. 

(Beckton conies back. Molyneux and Felcate 
come down stage a little, Molyneux to back of chair 
L. of settee R.) 

Duke. Well, anyhow after what has been said 
of young Petworth's character Lady Grimsdal 
wouldn't have anything to grumble about. 

(Madame Mescale comes on at back.) 
Lady Grimsdal. (to Mrs. Molyneux) D'ye 
really think he's good enough for Marjorie ? 
Mrs. Molyneux. Quite ! 

Madame Mescale. (is standing c.) I'm sorry to 
interrupt, (they all turn to her) but there's a little 
business I want to talk over. 

Molyneux. Great heavens ! (pulls chair l. of 
settee R. to back of settee to below fire and sits on. it for 
a moment. Is now r. of Felgate) 

Mrs. Molyneux. (goes up a step to her, is l. of 
her) I can't attend to you now, Madame Mescale. 
Madame Mescale. Fve brought the bill. 
Mrs. Molyneux. What do you mean by this 
intrusion ? Naturally the bill will be paid at once. 
Madame Mescale. Oh, your bill is of no conse- 
quence, Mrs. Molyneux ; (look from Duke and Lady 
Grimsdal) but I've rather a heavy account against 
Mr. Edward Petworth, and I thought I'd deliver it 
myself. 

(Molyneux rises in horror.) 



Act IV.] THE BEAR LEADERS. hil 

Duke. What the devil's this ? 
Mrs. Molyneux. What have you got against Mr. 
Edward Petworth ? (look) 
Madame Mesoale. A few letters containing a 

written promise of marriage. 

Mrs. Molyneux. To you : 

Madame Mescale . To me. (general asto / 1 ish ment) 
I was told the Duke of Gallminster was here — I should 
like to have his opinion on its value. 

Lady Grimsdal. Is this your nice, decent, 
straight boy \ 

Duke. This is a pretty state of things, Molyneux, 
(who is back of settee r. to r. of Duke) — didn't you 
know about this ( 

Madame Mescale. Oh yes. Mr. Molyneux and I 
are intimate friends. 

Mrs. Molyneux. Really I 

Molyneux. (goes c. to r. of Madame Mescale. 
Felgate comes down to behind settee r.) I can explain 
that — on dear Edward's behalf I felt it an urgent duty 
to conciliate this lady — I therefore spared no time — 
and in the matter of dinners and suppers — no expense 
— in order to arrive at a pleasant understanding. 

Madame Mescale. That's quite true. 

Molyneux. I took it all on myself ; I didn't even 
share the anxiety with my dear wife. 

Mrs. Molyneux. No, r you didn't, (crosses to back 
of chair r. of settee l.) 

Madame Mescale. You'd better talk it oyer 
among yourselves, (she goes up to window) 

l 



[62 THE BEAM LEADERS. [Act IV. 

Molyneux. {cor, ' c.) We mustn't let 

ourselves be downhearted— it's simply a question 
of money. 

Felgate. (comes round settee to l. of it, is -now r. 
of Molyneux) Quite so, touching these letters — 
we must consider what is the most the Duke of 
Gallminster will pay. 

Duke. How much does the woman want '? 

Molyneex. Well find out. (hack up stage a 
little) 

Felgate. (goes up a little) Madame Mescale f 
(she comes down to l. of him) 

Madame Mescale. Yes. 

Felgate. What is the small pecuniary solatium 
you are hoping to obtain for these letters ? 

Madame Mescale. A thousand pounds 

Duke. What ? (sli < h in. Molyneux 
Beckton help him up) 

Felgate. -Out of the question, (turns to Moly- 
neux) 

Molynet x. Almost humorous, (gets to back oj 
settee R.) 

Madame Mescale. (step down) I'm asking a 
thousand pounds. 

Mrs. Molyneux. (goes step to her) You don't 
get a thousand pence, (they all look round) 

Madame Mescale. Won't I ? 
Mrs. Molyneux. No, you won't. Fve a good 
memory as a rule ; but this morning it has been 
clogged up with elo] erne As and kitchen ceilings— and 



teE-IV.] THE BEAR LEADERS. kk» 

trite of that sort — and so a little duologue I over- 
heard last night has only just come hack to me. 

Matyyme Mescale. ' What duologue '. 

Mes. Molyneex. It was between you and a 
rather excitable foreign waiter of Pastarelli's ; I 

a address you as his wife. (G 
ment. Felgate a step forward) What do you say 
to that ? 

Madame Mescale. I know nothing about foreign 
wait 

Mrs. Molyxecx. He could easily be traced. 

Madame Mescale. He may have been intoxicated. 

Mrs. Molyneux. He may. but if he \ to 

be sober and sure of his facts you would be within 
easy distance of a prosecution for fraud and black- 
mail. Eh. Mr. Felgate ? 

Felgate. That is undoubtedly so. 

Madame Mescale. I don't know what you mean 
by fraud and blackmail, I've something genuine to 
sell — which ought to fetch its price in the Gallniihster 
mar' 

(Byles comes in, stops up at bach,) 

Your duologue with a foreign waiter is too thin. Mrs. 
eux. 

Mrs. Molyneux. Is it ? 

Byles. I beg pardon, madam. 

Mrs. Molyxeex. Well ? {goes up a little) 

Byles. The 'waiter who kicked up so much un- 
pleasantness last evening has called. 



164 THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act IV. 

Mrs. Molyneux. Has he ? That's very odd. 

Byles. He says he has come to make an amond — 
I don't know if any foreign dish has been ordered. 

Mrs. Molyneux. Bring him here. 
(Byles goes off.) 
(Step to Madame Mescale) Now, Madame Mescale, 
we shall have a chance of testing the thickness of 
the little duologue. 

Madame Mescale. I shan't stay here to take 
part in a vulgar discussion with a waiter — you shall 
hear from my solicitor. (Mrs. Molyneux bats her 



Mrs. Molyneux. You're not going. 

Madame Mescale. Why not ? 

Mrs. Molyneux. Because we can't spare you. 

(Byles has entered showing in Durocq — Byles goes 
, out — Durocq bows profoundly. Madame Mescale 
goes, sits chair up R.c, R. of table c.) 

Durocq. Bon jour, Mesdames. Bon jour, Mes- 
sieurs. 

Mrs. Molyneux. Good morning. We're speak- 
ing of ? 

Durocq. I 'ave de honour to name myself — 
Anatole Durocq. 

Mrs. Molyneux. Really ? 

Durocq. I am here ce matin to make de amende 
•for all vot I did last night— I 'ad rage in my 'eart — 
blood — much blood in my 'ead — and jalousie in my 
stomach. 



ActU THE BEAR LEADERS. 1(55 

Mrs. Molyneux. You seemed rather upset. 

Durocq. Ah yes, rnaclame, it vos my honourable 
duty to give ices — strawberri et Vanille — to those 
who danced and perspired — I gave nosing to nobodie. 

Mrs. Molyneux. We noticed the omission. 

Durocq. Non — vot I did vos to mingle de coats 
and jump on de 'ats — but to-day my soul is tranquil 
— and I am arrived 'ere to demand pardon of all de 
world. 

Mrs. Molyneux. Monsieur Durocq we will regard 
the international incident as closed — if you'll answer 
a perfectly simple question. 

Durocq. . Ah, madame, demandez. 

Mrs. Molyneux. Is this lady your wife ? 

(Madame Mescale rises, she steps bad:.) 

Durocq. {seeing Madame Mescale for the 
time) Lucie ! (Madame Mescale makes signs) Ah 
mais Lucie, my angel — vy do you vink ? (Turning 
to Mrs. Molyneux) Qui — c'est ca Madame, dat 
lady is my wife. 

Madame Mescale. (crosses her and Durocq-. To 
Durocq from l. of him) You fool ! You've ruined us. 

(She goes out.) 

Durocq. Ah Lucie, ma belle. (He turns and 
again bows profoundly) Adieu Mesdames — adieu 
Messieurs — Lucie — I come — I follow — Lucie ! 

(He goes out.) 



lii(» THE BEAR LEADERS. j Act IV. 

Mrs. Molyneux, (Jianding tellers to Felgate) 

Well, that settles that. 

Felgate. Finally, (comes down to cJiair) 
Duke. What d'ye mean by finally ? (to Moly- 

neux) When did the boy get mixed up with that 



woman 



Molyne'ux. It was before he came to us, Duke. 
(to head of settee l. of it) 

Mrs. MolynEux. It was while you were giving 
him every opportunity of going to the devil, (goes 
toward settee l.) 

Duke. Oh, was it ? 

Molyneux. How about the two runaways ? 

Duke. It won't do : they'll have to be stop 
and brought back. 

(Molyneux goes up by fire.) 

Felgate. (comes c.) Is young Mr. Petworih well 
provided with money for the little trip ? 

Mcuvyneux. No, he isn't. 

Beckton. There was some loose silver in the 
motor coat. 

Felgate. Only a little loose silver between them 
and the railway arches — then no one need worry — 
they'll come back, (turns to Mrs. Molyneux, they 
go up stage a little together) And in a contrite and 
submissive spirit, (eiside to Mrs. Molyneux) To 
employ a vulgarism — the Duke and Lady (Irimsdal 
have only to " sit tight." 



Act IV.] THE BEAR LEADERS 167 

(Lady Grimsdal speaks to Loomes, Duke to 
Beckton.) 

Mrs. Molyneux. (aside) Yes — but we don't 
want them to sit tight in our drawing-room. 

(Byles enters up l.) 

Byles. Mr, Petworth and ker ladyship have 
returned. 

{General s . Felgate, Molyneux, and . 

Molyneux stand up r.c. back of settee r.) 
Felgate. There ! What did I tell you ? 

(Every o% \s to look. Petworth and Lady 

Marjorie come in arm in arm. He is without the 
motor coat; she has her hat on and wzars her coat 
thrown open. Byles goes oat.) 

Lady Marjorie. Good morning. 

Petworth. Good morning, {drops her arm) 

Lady Grimsdal. This is nice behaviour ! 

Lady Marjorie. How do you do. Grandmamma ? 

Lady^ Grimsdal. Don't talk to me, you huzzy ! 

Lady Marjorie. Huzzy is a harsh word. 

Duke. Edward Petworth, what have you been 
doing ? And why did you do it ? 

Lady Marjorie. Who is the old gentleman with 
the squeaky voice ? 

Petworth. My great-uncle— the Duke of Gall- 
minster. 

Lady Marjorie. Really? I'm charmed to meet 
him. 



168 THE BEAR LEADER*. T Act IV.- 

Lady Grimsdai;. Haven't you any explanation to 
offer ? 

Duke. What's the meaning of this all night 
hanky panky ? 

Lady Marjorie. We've been compromising our- 
selves, and I think we've done it thoroughly. I 
wished to marry Teddy, so we decided to bolt and 
bring everybody to heel. We motored to Tunbridge 
Wells. 

Pet worth. Put up at the biggest hotel, break- 
fasted in the coffee-room, wrote our real names in the 
visitors' book 

Lady Marjorie. And then walked on the Pantiles, 
where we attracted — (she looks uf to Teddy) a good 
deal of attention. 

Petworth. We went back to the hotel 

Lady Marjorie. And while Teddy paid the bill 
— with the money he found in the pocket of the motor 
coat — I wrote to the principal London newspapers, 
giving an account of our elopement. 

Petworth. We described it as a daring adventure 
in high life ! 

Pelgate. Did you again mention names ? (from 
l. of Molyneux.) 

Lady Marjorie. Oh yes, 1 mentioned all the 
names. 

Petworth. Mr. Edward Petworth, great-nephew 
of the Duke of Gallminster, and Lady Marjorie Hill- 
born, grand-daughter of the Dowager Countess of 
Grimsdai ; it read most awfully well. I'm sure the 



[Act [V. THE BEAR LEADERS. L69 

papers will find room for it in the early ev 
editions. 

Felgate. Ah, tnat ; .s' awkward, (he turns up 
stage) 

Petworth. We tried to motor back — but we 
burst a couple of tyres — so we left the car at a kind 
of farm. 

Duke. Left my motor at a farm ? Where is the 
farm ? 

Petworth. (step towards Duke) It's somewhere 
in Kent — it's across a field. 

Duke. What's the farmer's name ? 

Petworth. That's what I've been trying to 
remember. 

Duke. Beckton, blaast ye — take me to Buxton. 

Lady Grtmsdal. Loonies, give me your arm. 

Lady Marjorie. May we take it that you've done 
with us ? 

Duke. Done with you ? Yes, you've disgraced 
yourselves in public and you can marry and starve 
in public. 

(Petworth and Lady Marjorie go up stage arm in 

ann.) 

Mrs. Molyneux. {comes to chair r. of settee l.) 
We wouldn't let 'em do that — if old Mr. Lapworthy 
hadn't been so absent-minded. 

Felgate. Lapworthy? (comes to c.) But that's 
all right. 



To THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act IV. 

Molyneux. (comes to Felgate to r. of him) 

What's all right ? 

(Petworth and Lady Marjorie go to above fireplace, 

take off coats and her hat and place them on arm-chair 

above fire.) 

Felgate. (to her) Surely I told yon we'd found 
the will ? 

Mrs. Molyneux. No, you didn't. 

Felgate. But, my dear lady, that's why 1 called 
here to-day ; you inherit everything. The will was 
in my office all the time. I suppose the dear careless 
old man did send it to me — anyhow it was kicking 
about on my desk — it's a mercy it isn't in the waste 
paper basket. 

Mrs. Molyneux. It is rather fortunate. (Fel- 
gate and Molyneux go up stage) Well, that makes 
things easy. (She is now c.) Duke, Jane dear — 
Stanhope and I are now in a position to chuck bear 
leading. 

(Lady Grimsdal rises and begins to come round with 
Loomes on her l. to R. of settee l.) 

But we'll take over your two cubs and run them. 

Duke, (rises, moving up). I wish yer joy. 

Lady Grimsdal. Come along, Loomes. (also 
moving) 

Mrs. Molyneux. Good-bye, Jane, love to the 
Mainwarings. 

(Lady Grimsdal grunts. She and Loomes go off 



[Act IV. THE BEAR LEADERS. 171 

l. Petworth and Lady Marjoeie are at bmk of 
lounge R.) 

Good-bye, Duke. 

Duke, {from l. of Mrs. Molyxeux moving up — 
turns at [door). Good-bye, Mr. and Mrs. Molyneux, 
don't forget it's your risk ; you'll never get another 
penny of my money. 

Mrs. Molyneux. Quite so, Duke, we'll do it for 
love. 

Duke. Teha ! 

(He (joes off.) 

(Petworth and Lady Marjorie come and sit each 

side of Mrs. Molyneux. Mrs. Molyneux sits c. 

of settee r.) 

Felgate. (gets c, Molyneux r. of him) I'll get 
along — probate takes time — but I'll prove the will 
at once. 

Molyneux. Oh yes, at once — sooner if possible. 
Good-bye. 

(Felgate goes.) 

Now, my dear, I really feel I should like to go and 
think affectionately and gratefully of dear old Mr. 
Lap worthy on the golf links. Can I do anything 
for you on the way ? 

Mrs. Molyneux. Well, you might order a new 
kitchen ceiling. 

Molyneux. (making a note on cuff) Certainly; 
anything else ? 



172 THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act IV. 

• Mrs. Molyneux. Yes— buy a special licence. 
j Molyneux. (again makes note on cuff) With 
pleasure. 

(He l waves his hand to them, and as he is going off the 
curtain falls.) 

Curtain. 



i pi 

J 



< « pq 
o 




FURNITURE AND PROPERTY PLOT 
ACT I 

Largo Green Pile Carpet down to cover stage. 

Small 4 Flapped Inlaid Table. 

On above : Small Blue and White Bowl with Purple Anemones. 

Tall China Cabinet containing Dresden China figures. 

Small Blue and Red China Bowl containing Rose Leaves. 

Square Inlaid Card Table shut. 

On this : Leather Blotting Book, Tall Blue and White Vase 
containing Mauve Lilac, 2 Bound Books, Photograph in 
Silver Frame. 

Carved Walnut Green Seated Armchair by card table. 

Circular Inlaid Table at back c. 

On this : Bowl containing Pink and Cream Roses, 4 Weekly 
Illustrated Papers, Copy of The Daily Telegraph, 2 Bound 
Books, Photograph in Silver Frame. 

Square Single Gilt Chair to l. of Circular Table at back. 

Round Single Gilt Chair to r. of Circular Table at back. 

Palm (real) on Pedestal in corner of room up at back r. 

Small Chintz Cohered Armchair above fire up r. 

Oblong Marble Top Table down r. below door r. 

On this : Small Blue and White Bowl containing Pink and 
Cream Roses. 

Photograph in Silver Frame. 

Large Chintz-Covered Chesterfield down r.c. 

On this : 2 Green Cushions with Lace Covers. 

Small Circular Inlaid Table to L. of Chesterfield. 

On this.: Ash Tray, Matches in Sandstone Stand. 

Square Single Gilt Chair to l. of small Circular Table. 

Small Chintz-Covered Settee down l.c. 

Fireplace up r. 

On Mantelpiece : Large Gilt Clock and Pair of 4 Light Can- 
delabra with 8 Green Silk Shades, 2 Glass Vases containing, 
Pink and Cream Roses, 2 Photographs in Silver Frames. 

: i Wooden Hearth. 



THE BEAR LEADERS. 1 75 

InFirepl r'H I Plants In Pots and Real Ferns. 

Three Geranium Plants, Pink in Pots on Balustrade. 
Wicker Waste Paper Basket under Card Table. 

On Walls. 

Brass Bell Push Practical, below opening up i.. 
Brass Bell Push Practical, above fireplace up r. 
Oil Painting of Woman's Head in Gold Frame above Mantel- 
piece. 
5 3-Light Empire Brass Brackets with 15 Green Silk Shades. 
3 Pairs of Vitrage Curtains to Windows. 
Brass Rods and Ends for above. 
3 Pairs of Green Velvet Applique Curtains. 
3 Pelmets for above. 
3 Pairs of Tie Backs. 

In Recess off up l. 

Large Walnut Oblong Table. 

On above: Tapestry Cover, Blue and White China Bowl 
contains Pink and Red Roses, 2 Photographs in Silver 
Frames. 
2 Carved Walnut Chairs with Red Velvet Seats. 

On Walls. 

Large Oil Painting of a woman in Gold Frame. 

1 3-Light Empire Brass Bracket with 3 Green Silk Shades. 

HANI) PROPERTIES. 

Silver Cigarette Case for Molyxeitx. 

Pocket Book for Molyxeux. 

Telegram for Mrs. Molyxeux, 

Written Letter for Lady Marjorie. 

Written Letter for Becktox. 

Metal Cigarette Case for Petworth 

Coins : half-sovereign, 3 half-crowns, 3d. in coppers for 

Petworth. 
Fancy Hat for Petworth. 



THE BEAK LEADERS 177 

FURNITURE AND PROPERTY PLOT 

ACT II 

Same as Act 1 with the following exceptions : — 
Small Circular Table by L. of Chesterfield struck. 
Flowers changed to mixed Red Roses in Glass Vases on 

Mantelpiece. 
Positions of Bowls changed in Room. 
Sporting Times on Chesterfield. 

Scribbling Pad and Pencil on Large Circular Table up c. 
Daily Telegraph struck. 
1 Bowl of Deep Red Roses brought onund placed on c. table. 

HAND PROPERTIES. 

Lighted Cigarette for Petworth. 

On Large Silver Salver the following : Silver Tea Pot, Silver 

Milk Jug, Sugar in Silver Basin with Tongs, 6 Crown D >rby 

Tea Cups and Saucers, 6 Tea Spoons. 
MaLogany 3-Tier Cake Stand with 3 Crown Derby Cake 

Plates containing Bread and Butter, Biscuits and Cake. 
List of Flowers on Half Sheet of Paper for Mrs. Molyneitx. 
Hand Bag with Writing Tablet and Pencil for Madame 

Mescale. 

FURNITURE AND PROPERTY PLOT 
ACT III 

Parquet Linoleum covers Stage. 

1 Large Persian Carpet in front of Steps L < : 

Persian Rug to Opening down r. 

Persian Rug up at back r.c. 

Small Inlaid Moorish Table above Opening down L. 

Ball Programme on above. 

Single Moorish Chair with Upholster* ' by table l. 

1 8-foot Palm L. of Steps. 

I 4-foot Palm l. of Steps. 

1 8-foot Palm r. of Steps. 

1 4-foot Palm R. of Steps. 

M 



I7S THE BEAR LEADERS. 

I 2. ft. 6 Palm r. of Steps. 

1 3ft. 6 India Rubber Plant to it. of Steps. 

2 Built up Banks to carry above Palms. 

1 Small Oriental Cabinet up r ? c, on this a bowl of deep Red 

Roses. 
Large Wall Ottoman down r.c. covered with Persian Cover- 
ing. 
1 12-foot Palm in Tub up n. to k. of opening up r. 
1 12-foot Palm in Tub up r. to l. of opening up ;>. 



On Walls. 

3 "Liberty" Hangings to c. opening up the Steps. 

1 " Liberty '" Hanging to c. opening down r. 

1 " Liberty " Hanging to c. opening down i . 

Oil Painting, Head of Man in Gilt Frame hanging on backing 

to c. 
Oil Painting, Head of Man in Gill Frame hanging on wall up 

R.C. 

Gilt Wooden Oriental Lamp hanging in c. opening with Red 

Glass. 
Oriental Moorish Lamp hanging on wall above, opening 

down i„ 
Large Oriental Moorish Lamp hanging on wali above opening 

down r. 
Chinese Lantern hanging in Conservatory at back up R.C. 

On Landing. 

-) large Persian Hugs (one on steps). 

Walnut Carved Chair with Reel Velvet Seat. 

Oriental Pedestal with 3 ft. Palm in Crass jardiners. 

Large Oblong Walnut Table (Act 1), on this: Large Blue 

and White Bowl with Red and Cream Roses, Green and 

Gold Basket (Act 1) under Table. 
Carved Walnut Chair with Red Velvet Seat. 
Small Maflble Top Table. 
Oil Painting Head of Man in Gilt Frame on wall in room L, 



THE BEAK LEADERS. 171) 

la Opening off i.. 

Snail Circular Inlaid Table on which stand Ferns and 

Hydrangeas. 
2 Gilt (1 

//,= Opening off r. 

Occasional Table 4 flaps open. On this: Tall Blue and 
White Vase with Lilac, Silver Cigarette Box and Metal Ash 

Tray. 
Carved Walnut Chair with Keel Velvet I 



la ( 'onsi rvatory. 

2 White Wicker Armchairs. 

\ 7 -foot Palm. 

2 Wire Baskets Hanging containing Ferns. 

Stage Cloth. Marble, down in Gonservi 



HAND PROPERTIES. 

Ice Plate, Glass and Spoon for Lady disc \ 
Small Silver Salver with Ball Programmes for Byles off 
down l. 

Obi. aig Silver Salver off down l. for Du i 

On above : 2 Glasses of Lemonade, 4 Ices on Class Plates 

and Spoons (.'3 fastened to tray. 1 Ice. Spoon and Plate 

loose). 
Large Serviette for Dtjtroc >. 
Fans for Ladies. 

Written Letter for Madame Mescale. 
Fur Collar Motor Coat off l. for Pet worth, also Cap. 
Light Tweed Coat off down k. for Lady Mabjqbie. 
White Silk Muffler and Smashed Silk Top Hat for Eeckton 

Off L. 

Cork Popping effect off up l. 



180 the; beak leaders. 



FURNITURE AND PROPERTY PLOT 
ACT EV 

Same as Acts I and Q with the following exceptions: — 
Chesterfield and Settee back to back in v. of stage. 
2 Gilt Chairs on Chesterfield. 

1 Duster on Chesterfield. 

2 Cushions on Settee. 

The whole covered with a Dust Sheet. 

Dust Pan and Brush under Chesterfield. 

Duster on Circular Table by window up c. 

Long Broom leaning against above Table. 

Window Curtains to windows l. and r. tied together to clear. 

ground. 
Window Curtains to windows c. on c. table. 
Windows closed. 

RAND PROPERTIES. 

Open Letter for Molly. 

Telegram for Mrs. Molyneux. 

Written Letter for Lloyd. 

Crutch, Ebony Stick for Lady Grimsdal. 

Lorgnettes for Lady Grimsdal. 

Walking Stick for Duke. 

Packet of letters for Madam k M esc ale. 



ELECTRIC LIGHT PLOT 

ACT I. 

1 Circuit White in Ceiling Batten full up. 
1 Circuit Amber in Ceiling Batten full up. 
Amber and White in Proscenium full up. 
3 Circuits White in Footlights full up. 

1 Circuit Amber in Footlights full up. 

2 ( ireuits Lemon in Back Batten full up. 



THE BEAR LEADERS. 181 

2 Amber and White Lengths to windows Back. 
2 Amber and White Lengths in opening up l. 
1 Amber and White Length in door down r. 



LIME PLOT 

1 Arc Lamp on Back Cloth O.P. side Pale Amber No. 17 

Frost, Flood. 
1 Arc Lamp through Windows on O.P. side (focus), Frost ; 

Flood. 
1 Arc Lamp on Back Cloth, prompt Side, Frost only. 



LIGHT PLOT 

ACT II 

Same as in Act I with an additional length to door down l. 
At Cue- : " Madame Mescale." 
Everything down slowly to about half up. 



LIME PLOT 

ACT 11 

Same as Act I until cue : " Madame Mescale." 

Flood Lamps on Back Cloth change to Deeper Amber No. 19. 

Focus Lamp through Window is shut off slowly. 



LIGHT PLOT 

ACT III 

Everything full up except Back Batten, which is out. 
Lengths to Openings down l. and r. 
Length on Landing off up l. 
All Hanging Lamps alight. 



182 THE BEAR LEADERS. 



LIME PLOT 
ACT III 

1 Arc Lamp on P side Landing Flood, Frost, No. 3 on backing 

to c. 

2 Blue Limes on Backing to Conservatory. 

1 Focus Lime, blue through opening of Conservatory on to 
Stage. 

LIGHT PLOT 
ACT IV 

Everything full up as in Act I. 

LIME PLOT 
ACT TV 
Same as Act I. 



; .. Printed by Butler & Tanner, Frome and tendon. 



BMv'14 ^ 






I 



